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Aspiring and current investigative journalists: Are you ready to background like a boss? Learn the art and science of ba
Press OnAugust 27, 2026

Aspiring and current investigative journalists: Are you ready to background like a boss?

Learn the art and science of backgrounding—how to research sources before interviewing them, how to verify information, images, and videos online, and more—with Laura Kurtzberg (she/her), training director at Investigative Reporters and Editors @ire_nicar! Register today for our September 16 virtual training at bit.ly/backgroundingire. #LinkInBio 🔍 Laura teaches journalists how to use data analysis, code, and spreadsheet techniques in their investigations and also focuses on creating interactive maps, data visualizations, and web applications for news and storytelling. In this session, participants will: - Learn methods used to verify information drawn from social media and other online sources. - Learn recommended protocols for deep backgrounding every source, every time. - Study case studies of stories supported by advanced backgrounding techniques using open-source intelligence and free online tools. To ensure the future of our Level Up popular education program, we ask that each registrant make a sliding-scale contribution ($1-$125), but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. English live captioning & language interpretation provided by request. Please name your accessibility needs on the registration form. [Image description: Event flyer that says, “Backgrounding Like a Boss: a virtual training. Wednesday, September 16. 12:00-1:30pm ET / 11:00am-12:30pm CT / 9:00-10:30am PT. Come learn this crucial investigative journalism skill to level up your reporting! In this session led by Laura Kurtzberg (she/her), training director at Investigative Reporters and Editors, journalists will learn how to use digital resources to vet sources and find important information online. Learn more, and sign up! bit.ly/backgroundingire. Register by September 9th!” Includes headshot photo of Laura, who is smiling and wearing a bright blue button-down shirt, earrings, and two necklaces. She has curly brown hair down to her shoulders.]
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