Curriculum 2013 Urban Investigative Reporting Syllabus Fall 2013/ Rm. TK/ TK9:30-12:20 Thurs.

Tom Robbins 646-758-7772 CUNY 718-541-8508 cell tom.robbins@journalism.cuny.edu

The Course: Every reporter with an itch to dig deeper on a story -- and the time in which to do it -- can be an investigative reporter. We'll prove this by doing it. The only required attributes are: an open mind, an ego not easily bruised, and enough staying power to survive promising leads that turn into blind alleys. There will be lessons in: foraging for public records, combing through data; making Freedom of Information requests; interviewing subjects and reluctant witnesses, and checking the facts. Some of the guidance will come from class speakers who will include both those who work in our subject area, those who regulate it, and others who write about it. The Outcome: By course's end, students should be able to: --Identify, locate and interview sources; --Find public records; --Analyze campaign data; --Make Freedom of Information requests; --Combine records, interviews, and analysis in both short and long investigative stories; --Fact-check work to get it right. The Project: Campaign Finance Despite years of effort to reduce the power of big money in political campaigns, wealthy donors still command immense attention from candidates for office. And politicians still often tailor their agendas to the interests of their largest contributors.

Even under New York Citys public campaign finance system considered one of the nations most progressive programs - candidates still court the citys centers of wealth. And those making big donations still get the ears of those in power. This year, with races underway for every city elected office, New York is awash in campaign cash. This is also the first election thanks to the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision in which independent political committees can spend unlimited funds for candidates of their choice. But no matter how the financial backing is conveyed, the influence of those writing the checks is likely to be felt, sooner or later. For our project, well scrutinize specific candidates and contests with an eye towards spotlighting the role played by big money in those elections. Our task will be to dissect who is giving to campaigns and why, looking for patterns and relationships of giving, as well as any favors sought or rendered. Well also examine campaign spending, checking the consultants and vendors who profit from elections, with an eye out for any self-dealing by candidates (its been known to happen; see reading list). Well crunch data from city and state election sites, visit campaign offices and events, and hear in class from an array of speakers including people who have run for office, helped raise funds, covered elections, and whose job it is to make sure campaigns play by the rules. Students working individually or in pairs will choose a campaign, a candidate, a PAC, or a vendor for their focus. Although its a city election year, well also look at the freewheeling, few-holds-barred rules by which state campaigns still operate. If students spot a state campaign or state PAC story thats timely, theyre free propose it. All story ideas will get hammered out in a series of memos (see below). Since well be up against the deadlines of the city elections, to some extent well be racing the clock. To that end, if we develop short, quick stories with potential campaign impact, well seek to publish them immediately. Stories that are publishable (and hopefully theyll all meet that test) will run as original content on the Voices website. Voices is a project of the J Schools Center for Community and Ethnic Media, an English-language outlet for the best coverage in local papers. The centers

member publications will be free to run the stories as bylined features. The final, longer stories will be due at the end of semester, the Dec. 5 class. Each piece will include some aspect of data visualization, i.e. charts, time lines, or other graphic components. For those writing individual pieces, the length should be a minimum of 1500 words; stories with double bylines should be 2500 words. We'll talk in detail in class about the kinds of stories that are out there, and how to get them. Meantime, to get idea of what other reporters have done in this area, take a look at the linked stories in the recommended reading section of the curriculum. Class Assignment: Beat Memos As a means of shaping the stories and the reporting, each student will submit a series of beat memos. The first memo is due at the beginning of the 4th class (Sept. 26). It should describe what candidate, race or other subject youve chosen; what aspect of their fundraising or spending you intend to focus on; what youve learned so far, and what your plan is for the investigation. (Even students working in pairs have to submit individual memos). While its likely to be revised as the reporting process unfolds, this initial memo should give you a basic outline of your story going forward. It should explain what you think the story will tell, and specific reporting steps youll take to get that story. Subsequent beat memos are due on: Oct. 17 Nov. 7 The memos arent just homework assignments. Theyre modeled on the kind of rigorous reporting that goes into feature-length investigations, where reporters are struggling to get their hands around their topic and separating what theyd ideally like to be able to write from whats doable and reportable. The memos should be at least 500 words in length. Here's what they should include: -- A summary of the reporting completed in the period; -- Names and brief description of those interviewed, and the highlights from those conversations; -- Names of other sources contacted; -- Documents reviewed and findings;

-- Locations visited, and results of visits; -- Roadblocks encountered and plans for getting around them; -- Reporting goals and steps to be taken in the upcoming two-week period. Final Stories/Presentations The resulting stories (and associated media content) will go through at least two edits. A first draft is due Nov. 21; you should expect to do extensive rewriting and more reporting, resulting in final stories due Dec. 5, the last class. The Rules: --Deadlines for memos and stories are the start of class; and they're just that: deadlines. --Class attendance: Same as deadlines. Be there, and on time. --In-class digital distractions: Not a good idea, especially during speakers presentations, i.e. laptops, phones closed please, unless taking notes. --Investigative reporters are often watchdogs on the ethics of others. That task starts with good ethics on your part, i.e. no cheating, copying, plagiarizing, phonehacking etc. The Grade: Class participation, reporting performance, in-class exercises, and memos will account for half the grade; the final story/project will make up the other half. Crucial to success in these endeavors is: Learning the topic; asking questions; digging out sources; following up leads; organizing material; meeting deadlines; and making steady progress in fashioning the final product as it goes through drafts. Required Reading: "Unfinished Business: Campaign Finance Reform in New York City," Report of the Commission on Government Integrity, 1988 NYC Campaign Finance Board Report on the 2009 Elections http://www.nyccfb.info/PDF/per/2009_PER/2009PostElectionRep ort.pdf

(chapters 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) Publications: Students will be expected to keep up with local election news throughout the semester. City and state news means surveying the dailies (Daily News, NY Post, NY Times, WSJ) and Web news sites such as: Capital NY: http://www.capitalnewyork.com/ Daily Politics (News): http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics Politicker (NY Observer): http://politicker.com/ Gotham Gazette: http://www.gothamgazette.com/). State of Politics: http://nystateofpolitics.com/ City Limits: http://www.citylimits.org/ Helpful Reading: The Power Broker, by Robert Caro, Vintage Books 1975 (If you haven't read it, the entire book should be your assignment to yourself.) City for Sale: Ed Koch and the Betrayal of New York, by Jack Newfield and Wayne Barrett, Harper Collins 1988. Class schedule: Prospective speakers: --Eric Friedman/ Matt Sollars, NYC CFB --Jim Brennan, NYS Assembly member, candidate for NYC Comptroller 2009 --Gale Brewer, NYC Council, candidate for Manhattan BP 2013/ Eric Gioia, fmr NYC Council, former Public Advocate candidate/ Ronnie Eldridge, fmor NYC Council --Nicole Gordon, fmr Exec Director, NYC Campaign Finance Board --Gene Russianoff, NYPIRG, public campaign finance advocate --Scott Levenson, campaign consultant, NYers Against Quinn --Wayne Barrett, walking class thru a cmpn filing story.

Class 1. Aug 29 The Big Dig How investigative reporting differs from the everyday work of a journalist. Why it matters. The project we will tackle this semester. Expectations -- yours and mine. Also: Keeping safe while reporting in sometimes tough neighborhoods. [No class Sept 5 schedule makeup date] 2. Sept. 12 Using Campaign Finance databases, understanding the rules NYC CFB communications officials Eric Friedman or Matt Sollars Reading: NYC Campaign Finance Board Report on the 2009 Elections http://www.nyccfb.info/PDF/per/2009_PER/2009PostElectionRep ort.pdf (chapters 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

3. Sept. 19 Nicole Gordon, former exec director, NYC CFB. Exec Asst. Commission on Government Integrity Reading: "Unfinished Business: Campaign Finance Reform in New York City," Report of the Commission on Government Integrity, 1988 "The Midas Touch: 4. Sept. 26

How campaign fundraising and spending impacts city government. Speaker: Gene Russianoff, attorney, New York Public Interest Group Beat memo due Reading: The ABCs of Interviews How to have an educated conversation, Readings: "Loosening lips: Art of the Interview", by Eric Nalder, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, IRE presentation. (Google Docs)

5. Oct. 3 Raising campaign cash II: Dialing for dollars while maintaining ethics Gale Brewer, or Eric Gioia, or Ronnie Eldridge Reading: 6. Oct. 10 -The PAC/consultant's perspective on campaign finance Scott Levenson, Advance Group, consultant "NYC Not for Sale" (Anti-Quinn PAC) Backgrounding Individuals, Pat Stith, The News & Observer, IRE Tipsheet Sept 2003 (Google docs) 7. Oct. 17 Raising campaign cash: Even with public financing, it's a tough job for those without access NYS Assemblyman and former NYC comptroller candidate Jim Brennan

Beat memo due 8. Oct. 24 -- How to report the story: Wayne Barrett, Village Voice, WNYC 9. Oct. 31 -- Freedom of Information How the law works, what it can do for reporters and what it can't. Reading/viewing: NYS Department of State Committee on Open Government http://www.dos.ny.gov/video/coog.html View videos, Chapter 1, Introduction; Chapter 17 - 26. 10. Nov. 7 Getting useful info from spokesmen Beat memo due 11. Nov. 14 Work in field Students expected to use this time for interviews in the field. 12. Nov. 21 -Getting it right Fact-checking the stories. How not to get sued. Reading: Investigative Reporter's Handbook, Chapter 23, The Ethics and Accuracy of Investigative Journalism. First drafts due. [No class Nov. 28] 13. Dec. 5 What weve come up with -- Final stories due Presentations to class of stories.

Campaign Finance Clips INFLUENCE A City Pol Sheds Her Grace on a Campaign Backer http://www.villagevoice.com/2007-10-02/news/the-adblitzers-facade/ Pedro Espada's Campaign Enablers http://www.villagevoice.com/2010-04-27/columns/pedroespada-s-enablers/ Bronx Pols Try to Shoot Down Tenant Protection http://www.villagevoice.com/2007-11-27/news/slumming-forlandlords/ The Usual Suspects Snuff a People-Powered Invention http://www.villagevoice.com/2007-09-25/news/pedicabs-don-twork-with-big-wheels/ Taxi company thanked Council candidate with cash http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/greasing_the_wheels_2vD9 CuhYcuWY4MlBjaEjXN Money Orders Raise Questions In Mayor's Race http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/21/nyregion/21weiner.html?pa gewanted=print&position=

Weiner gets Infusion of Taxi Money http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/politics/2013/07/8531 900/anthony-weiner-gets-infusion-taxi-money-he-denouncesbloombergs-out?top-featured-3 From Brooklyn Office, Mixing Clout and Charity http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/25/nyregion/for-brooklynleader-marty-markowitz-mix-of-business-charity-andpower.html?pagewanted=all Queens Maverick Tagged in Campaign Funds Scam http://www.villagevoice.com/2002-08-27/news/someone-else-smoney/ Former Councilman Leffler Convicted in Campaign Fraud Scheme http://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/13/nyregion/sheldon-lefflerformer-councilman-is-convicted-in-campaign-fraudscheme.html Comptroller Candidate Moves to Keep Large Campaign Gifts Flowing http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A01E1D71F3B F933A25754C0A96E9C8B63 After Lobbying, Council Backs Longer Term for Phone Franchises http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/27/nyregion/after-lobbyingcouncil-backs-longer-terms-for-phonefranchises.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm Recipe for Parole: Pataki Contributor Gets His Son Sprung http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/recipe-parolegood-behavior-connections-pataki-contributor-son-sprungarticle-1.800075 Gov Asked Favor For Big Donor http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/gov-asked-favorbig-donor-200g-wrote-powell-article-1.495452 CAMPAIGN SPENDING Quinn Trips Are Subject of Complaint

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB100014241278873244252045786 00150623542348.html In Council Campaigns, Relatives on the Payroll http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/25/nyregion/25council.html?p agewanted=all Marty Golden Spends Big at Family Catering Hall http://www.villagevoice.com/2008-08-27/columns/gop-starmarty-golden-doles-out-big-bucks-to-his-family-cateringhall/ Carl Kruger Dines Out on Campaign Warchest http://www.villagevoice.com/2008-04-08/news/living-thepolitical-life-fantastic/ Mailings From Miller Cost City Council $1.8 Million http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/11/nyregion/metrocampaigns/1 1miller.html What's a Campaign Debt Between Friends? http://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/22/nyregion/what-s-acampaign-debt-between-friends.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm Finance Ruling Denies Hevesi Matching Cash http://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/07/nyregion/finance-rulingdenies-hevesi-matching-cash.html

PACS NYC development PAC raises $5M since May http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20130712/BLOGS04/13071 9953 Business PAC Rains Dollars on City Council Races http://online.wsj.com/article/SB100014241278873233945045786 10314059308882.html?mod=WSJ_NY_News_LEFTTopStories Organized Labor Plots Big Election Spending

http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20130723/BLOGS04/13072 9964 How Nonprofits Spend Millions on Elections and Call it Social Welfare http://www.propublica.org/article/how-nonprofits-spendmillions-on-elections-and-call-it-public-welfare CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORMS Campaign Finance Overhaul Would Rein in Major Donors http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/06/nyregion/06donate.html?pa gewanted=print&_r=0 NYC Campaign Finance Program: A Reform that is Working 1992 http://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=15 53&context=ulj