Manya A. Brachear
Religion Reporter/Writer, Metro; Chicago Tribune
RCCongress 2010 Workshop:
Manya Brachear joined the Chicago Tribune in 2003. As one of the paper's religion reporters, she has helped chronicle the papal transition from Rome, the Dalai Lama's visit to Chicago, Protestant debates about gay clergy, progress and pitfalls of interfaith dialogue and the emerging role of religion in American politics.
Brachear earned a Bachelor's degree from Appalachian State University and Masters' degrees in journalism and religious studies from Columbia University.
She also has written for Time magazine, The Dallas Morning News, Beliefnet.com and the News & Observer in Raleigh, NC.
What Makes a "Good" Religion Story Today: Relating to the mainstream media in times of social, religious and technological change
This workshop will offer some tips on how to make religion writers in today's newsrooms drop everything and pay attention to your texts, tweets and telephone calls.
- How much are religion reporters juggling day to day?
- What kinds of demands do religion writers face from editors and readers?
- What is the mission of the religion beat in 2010 and beyond?
- How can you help religion writers accomplish that mission and spread your message?
We will review specific story pitches that did and didn't work and explore why. We also will discuss alternative pitches such as ideas for blogs, on-line photo galleries and web videos.
Manya is one of the brightest and most dynamic religion reporters out there, and members of Religion Newswriters have been entertained, edified and energized by the chance to be schooled by one of the best in the 