WJI Blog 2023, Press Conference with ADF Lawyers

On Monday morning of our first intensive day at World Journalism Institute, we attended a press

conference with two individuals that have presented a case before the Supreme Court.

As true journalists in practice, we came prepped on the case in question, and asked the lawyers

questions relevant to the case, and the implications that could arise as a result of a ruling in either

direction. We kind of felt thrown into the fire right away, but I think it prodded us to challenge

ourselves and rise to the occasion.

Though it may seem that the individual answering the questions is under a lot of pressure at a

press conference, the reality is that the pressure is rather on us, the journalists, to ask the right

questions. Questions must be pointed and specific, so that the answers will follow suit.

I was very impressed by my peers, and the professionalism of the exchange, as we were put into

a relevant situation for our interests. We were practicing the presence of mind it takes to uncover

applicable information that it is our job to deliver to the public sphere.

These tasks, intensive writing sessions and challenges are giving me quick reminders on the rules

and tricks of good Christian journalism that will provide real perspective for others, and a well-

rounded worldview for myself.

I am already finding out what parts of journalism I excel at, and what I can improve in, or do not

fit well into. My love for writing increases the more we write, and the press conference was a

good reminder of the conversations that are supposed to arise as a result of what we are doing.

-Charity Chaney