Introduction

AIM THIS PAGE

In line with its 56-year mission to develop the skills of journalists, The American Press Institute and The Media Center present "Beyond the Battle: Bringing Global Stories Home."

"Beyond the Battle" is a month-long project to help media companies prepare for international events that - now more than ever, and for better and for worse - have tremendous impact on communities and news operations.

Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, there has been much talk of "first-responders" in crises.

These words have been taken to refer to police, fire and medical personnel, but not the nation's news media. But Randy Atkins, senior media officer for the National Academy of Engineering, says in an editorial (www.nae.edu) in The Washington Post, that we are first-responders. These days, the public receives first word of international events from national television and radio networks, the Internet, or newswires. However, when it comes to figuring out how these global events will affect day-to-day life, the public turns to local news media.

Throughout March "Beyond the Battle" will offer:

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