Program to provide scholarships for journalists covering health and related topics

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Jan. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Poynter Institute, the leading educator of journalists worldwide, today announced a new scholarship program provided by AmerisourceBergen. This first-of-its kind program will be inaugurated with a $50,000 contribution from AmerisourceBergen to the Poynter Institute. This funding will create a scholarship for journalists covering healthcare, technology, science and related topics.

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With this donation from AmerisourceBergen, Poynter will provide first-class instruction and training for more than a dozen promising journalists at the Institute's campus in St. Petersburg, Florida. Together, Poynter and AmerisourceBergen are investing in the future of journalism to create a more informed citizenry, particularly as relates to the issues of health and medical science. AmerisourceBergen is dedicated to supporting public discourse and dialogue surrounding the key issues of democracy and journalism today.

"We see a direct connection between excellent journalism and a strong democracy," said Stephen Buckley, Dean of Faculty of Poynter. "Support from corporations is essential if we're to teach the skills and values that enable journalists to do work that engages and improves their communities."

Journalists selected for this prestigious scholarship will participate in highly-specialized training, designed to better equip them to report on issues surrounding health in this country. Instruction at the Poynter Institute can include training in the latest digital technology used in the newsroom, in-depth writing skills coaching, and critical ethics courses.

"Accurate, trustworthy and responsive news is essential to the health, welfare and vitality of citizens and their communities," said Chris Martin, President of the Poynter Foundation.  "This support from AmerisourceBergen for excellent journalism will help to ensure that relationship."

"In the ever-evolving healthcare  industry, it is vital to have engaged and informed journalists," said Steve Collis, CEO and president of AmerisourceBergen. "Enhancing the education of future healthcare journalists is an example of how AmerisourceBergen is shaping healthcare delivery."

About the Poynter Institute The Poynter Institute is a school dedicated to teaching and inspiring journalists and media leaders since 1978. Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, Poynter's reach extends around the globe: through Poynter's News University online with more than 195,000 registered users in 225 countries, to in-person courses now offered in India. The Poynter Institute trains journalism practitioners, media leaders, educators and citizens in the areas of online and multimedia, leadership and management, reporting, writing and editing, TV and radio, ethics and diversity, journalism education and visual journalism. Poynter's website, (http://www.poynter.org) is the dominant provider of journalism news, with a focus on business analysis and the opportunities and implications of technology.

About AmerisourceBergen AmerisourceBergen is one of the largest global pharmaceutical sourcing and distribution services companies, helping both healthcare providers and pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturers improve patient access to products and enhance patient care. With services ranging from drug distribution and niche premium logistics to reimbursement and pharmaceutical consulting services, AmerisourceBergen delivers innovative programs and solutions across the pharmaceutical supply channel. With nearly $100 billion in annualized revenue, AmerisourceBergen is headquartered in Valley Forge, PA, and employs approximately 13,000 people. AmerisourceBergen is ranked #32 on the Fortune 500 list. For more information, go to www.amerisourcebergen.com.

Contacts: Elisa Jackson  ejackson@poynter.org 727-553-4676 Poynter Institute

Brett Ludwig  BLudwig@amerisourcebergen.com 610-727-2306 AmerisourceBergen

SOURCE The Poynter Institute

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