The annual workshop designed for alt-weekly writers and reporters is scheduled for Aug. 14 and 15 at the Medill School of Journalism on the Northwestern University campus in Evanston, Ill. Writers and editors from a number of AAN member papers will lead sessions addressing alternative approaches to news and arts coverage and providing training in investigative and narrative techniques.

This year’s programming will cover everything from ethics to multimedia to political reporting, all in a way designed for staffers to get valuable, hands-on experience.

“Medill is really geared toward working writers and editors and, as such, is one of the most important training opportunities AAN offers,” AAN editorial committee chair Julia Goldberg says. “It’s a great weekend because everyone gets to dig in to the basics of reporting, writing and thinking about journalism in a small-group environment.”

Early registration rates for the workshop are $100 per person for members and $200 per person for nonmembers. After Aug. 7, both of those rates will increase by $25. You can register online by following this link.

AAN has blocked off a number of rooms for workshop attendees at the Hotel Orrington. Please call (888) 677-4648 to make your reservation. Let them know that you are with the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies and ask for the $119 AAN rate. (The $119 is for single or double occupancy; higher rates apply for triple or quad.) The cut-off date for obtaining the group rate is this Friday, July 31.