SABEW26

The federal government regularly releases new economic data, giving enterprising reporters constant opportunities to interpret the figures and bring them to life. But doing so isn't always straightforward: Reporters must understand the data and its sources, know how it is used by various stakeholders and even know what to do when it temporarily becomes unavailable, as it has in a few recent instances during government shutdowns. Two seasoned economic reporters and Erika McEntarfer, labor economist and the former commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, discuss how to approach government data--or the lack thereof--to find big stories in plain sight. 

The private equity industry's influence continues to grow. Private equity firms not only own more companies than ever before, but they are also making a major push to sell their funds to everyday Americans, including through 401(k)s. Journalists who have documented the industry’s impact on the economy and our daily lives share techniques to help you cover it from your own perch.

In this interactive, classroom-style session, Wharton Professor Paul Fischer demystifies the core financial statements—balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement—which can seem intimidating at first glance. He’ll explain why earnings and cash flows differ, how simple ratios can facilitate comparisons of performance over time and against peers, and where readers might look for red flags in financial reports. Attendees will leave with practical tips and sharper questions for filings, earnings calls, and corporate claims.

This panel is in partnership with The Wharton School, The University of Pennsylvania.

Global trade is being disrupted by the most significant tariff overhaul since the Great Depression. Deconstructing this new landscape for readers requires getting beyond the tariffs themselves and delving into corporate strategy, global supply chains and household economics. Even with the Supreme Court ruling that the centerpiece of the Trump administration’s tariff agenda was illegal, the new round of tariffs are estimated to cost U.S. families between $600 and $2,400 annually, with lower-income consumers getting hit the hardest. Our panel will help you untangle the labyrinth of tariffs to find compelling stories for both business and general audiences.

SABEW's 31st annual Best in Business Awards celebration, sponsored by Bloomberg, recognizes outstanding work from 2025. We'll also announce the President's Award recipient.