PNA Foundation Journalism Training Certification Program

Train the entire staff of your news organization for as little as $20 per month (when registering for the 12-month program)!

If you have new staffers to the editorial department or are interested in honing the journalism skills and knowledge of your veteran staffers, get ready to embark on an exciting, low cost, educational journey. The PNAF’s yearlong Journalism Training Certification Program will equip your staff with the essential skills and industry insights needed to thrive in a newsroom.

News media experts will share practical advice and tips on interviewing techniques, story structure, writing ledes, understanding local and state government, First Amendment rights, implementing ethical standards, utilizing AI, and avoiding burnout.

Each webinar will be held the second Monday of each month from noon to 1 p.m., April 14, 2025, through March 9, 2026. Participants are encouraged to attend every session in real time; however, the webinars will be recorded for on-demand viewing – available only to program registrants – if there is a scheduling conflict.

Download the complete program brochure.

Complete program sessions:

#1 – Monday, April 14, 2025 – Reporting Basics: Navigating Local Journalism

#2 – Monday, May 12, 2025 – Writing Primer – Part 1: Mastering Story Structure and AP Style

#3 – Monday, June 9, 2025 – Writing Primer – Part 2: From Lede to Publication – Writing, Vetting and Legal Considerations

#4 – Monday, July 14, 2025 – It is a Balancing Act – Managing Multiple Roles

#5 – Monday, Aug. 11, 2025 – Comprehending Local and State Government in Pennsylvania – A Guide for Journalists

#6 – Monday, Sept. 8, 2025 – Access & Transparency – Navigating the Sunshine Act and First Amendment

#7 – Monday, Oct. 13, 2025 – Unlocking Public Records – A Guide to Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law

#8 – Monday, Nov. 10, 2025 – First Amendment, Court Access and Legal Updates – Navigating Press Rights in the Current Legal Landscape

#9 – Monday, Dec. 8, 2025 – Ethics & Bias in Journalism – Implementing and Maintaining Standards

#10 – Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 – Staying Safe on the Job – Best Practices for Journalists

#11 – Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 – Mental Health and Wellness – Covering Trauma While Protecting Yourself

#12 – Monday, March 9, 2026 – Artificial Intelligence in the Newsroom – Leveraging Technology While Upholding Journalistic Standards

For as little as $20 a month (when registering for the entire 12-month program), your staff will gain access to a comprehensive yearlong editorial training program, that provides expert-led webinars designed to build and refine journalism skills. For less than the cost of a daily cup of coffee, this is an affordable and invaluable investment in your organization’s professional growth. Whether your staff members are new to the field or looking to sharpen their expertise, this budget-friendly solution ensures that your organization stays ahead in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing media landscape.

Twelve sessions: PNA member: $240; Press Association Member: $350; PNA college member: $120; Non-member: $495

Six sessions: PNA member: $180; Press Association Member: $275; PNA college member: $90; Non-member: $350

Three sessions: PNA member: $125; Press Association Member: $175; PNA college member: $65; Non-member: $225

One session: PNA member: $50; Press Association Member: $75; PNA college member: $25; Non-member: $95

Register now!

Note: A confirmation with Zoom login details will be sent by the Friday prior to each monthly session for which you’ve registered.

Questions about this program? Contact Teresa Shaak at teresas@pa-news.org or 717-703-3003.