Ever wonder why a newspaper chose the lead story it did? Or how they could so completely screw up coverage of an event in your neighrborhood?

Maybe you've got a story that needs telling to the community but you don't know how to get it aired.

The Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists feels your pain. And is doing something about it.

The group, which I lead, is sponsoring a forum titled “Getting Your News in the News” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 19 in Fletcher Lounge at the University of Tampa.

The purpose of the forum is to provide an open discussion between the panel, which will include the area’s print and TV publications, and members of the community, including activist groups and neighborhood organizations, on how to pitch news stories and why issues get the coverage they do.

Currently, panelists include top editors from the St. Petersburg Times. Tampa Tribune, WUSF radio, Creative Loafing, WFLA-Ch. 8, WTSP-Ch. 10, WTVT-Ch. 13 and WFTS-Ch. 28.

They will be available to answer questions about news coverage, hear your tips on possible stories and offer strategies for getting important events covered in your neighborhood or involving your community group.

Best of all, the event is free and open to the public.

The two hour event also includes a long Q&A session in which our panelists will take questions from the  crowd.

So if you've ever wanted to give the Tampa Bay area's media establishment a piece of your mind -- and I know from experience that some of you here most certainly do -- here is your chance.

Hope to see you there!

For details or to RSVP for the event, contact program chair Camille C. Spencer

(727) 992-5203

cspencer@sptimes.com