The Sports and Society Initiative will welcome Matt Brown, founder and publisher of Extra Points, for a special Lunch ‘N Learn and hands-on workshop.
Brown, whose newsletter focuses on the business and off-the-field issues shaping college sports, will meet with students and The Lantern reporters to share insights on how public records can power impactful sports stories.
During the Lunch ‘N Learn session, Brown will lead an exploration of what’s open, why it matters, and how journalists can use transparency laws to uncover meaningful stories. He will also demonstrate how to craft effective records requests, follow up professionally and turn responses into original reporting. Pizza will be served!
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Following the session, Brown will join Dr. Nicole Kraft in Sports Writing and Reporting for a deeper workshop, where students will practice drafting their own requests, explore case studies, and discuss how public data can drive coverage of college athletics and beyond.
“Public records are one of the most powerful tools journalists have," Brown said in the March 13, 2023, issue of his Extra Points newsletter. "They’re not just for watchdog stories. They help you understand how decisions are made and where the real stories are hiding.”
These sessions are presented by the Ohio State Sports and Society Initiative in collaboration with The Lantern and the School of Communication, offering students an opportunity to expand their reporting toolbox and strengthen their investigative skills.