Think globally, report locally
Seminar
Details
Local news is critical to building and maintaining democracy but local news coverage across the world is declining. Well informed citizens are essential for self-governing on a local and national level. How are local communities affected if local journalism is suffering? Without robust local news, citizens will not have the information they need for their everyday lives about their community’s institutions, schools, businesses and neighbors. Newspapers and other trustworthy media outlets are crucial for communicating global issues such as climate change and its local consequences.
The economic challenges have been well documented. Both of the revenue streams that local news organizations have traditionally relied upon (subscriptions and advertising) have been dramatically undermined as journalism production, distribution, and consumption have migrated online.
Struggle with funding of newspapers, lack of trust in the era of “Fake News” and reporter shortage cause a worldwide cutback in newsrooms and therefore reduced access to profound, well researched information, especially in rural areas. Also, journalists are increasingly threatened by populist movements and restrictions of the freedom of speech.
That is why innovative ideas and new approaches to journalism and media are needed to tackle the issue of “News Deserts” all around the world. Artificial intelligence, data technology and mobile devices have huge potential in advancing the way journalists use and disseminate information. However, bringing innovation into newsrooms requires streamlined applications that journalists can easily use.
In this seminar, hosted by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung USA and Medill School of Journalism, the participants will discuss these issues and look for a possible way forward.
Programm
08.30am
09.00am
Welcome remarks
Charles Whitaker, Dean, Medill School
Paul Linnarz, Director of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung USA
09.15am
Session 1
“State of play of local news today in the Unites States and abroad”
·Tim Franklin, Senior Associate Dean at Medill School of Journalism ~ Moderation and presentation
·Amy Mitchell, Director Journalism Research at PEW Research Center, ~ Presentation via Skype
·Joy Jenkins, Postdoctoral Research Fellow digital news at Reuters Institute, Oxford University (England) ~ Presentation
·Edward Malthouse, Director Spiegel Research Center, Professor at Northwestern University ~ Presentation via Skype
Followed by discussion with:
·Pana Janviroj, Executive Director ANN (Thailand) ~ Presentation
Followed by Q&A
10.45am Coffee Break
11.00am
Session 2
“News deserts: Shrinking coverage and the impact on local communities”
·Penny Abernathy, Professor at the University of North Carolina, Knight Chair in Journalism and Digital Media Economics ~ Moderation and presentation
·Matthew Weber, Cowles Endowed Fellow in Media Management, University of Minnesota ~ Presentation
·Dapo Olorunyomi, CEO Premium Times (Nigeria) ~ Presentation
Followed by discussion with
·Angie Muhs, National President of Associated Press Media Editors
Followed by Q&A
12.30pm Lunch break
01.30pm
Session 3
“Innovative concepts, new approaches and a digital reality”
·Joe Germuska, Director at Knight Lab, Medill School ~ Moderation and presentation
·Rich Gordon, Director of Digital Innovation at Medill School, Northwestern University ~ Presentation
·Casey Pallenik, Strategic Partner Lead, News and Local Media Division, Google ~ Presentation
Followed by discussion with
·Jen Sabella, Director of Strategy, Co-Founder at Block Club Chicago
·Bettina Chang, Co-Founder of News Lab, City Bureau, Chicago
·Jasmin Off, Deputy Editor in Chief, Lübecker Nachrichten, Madsack Media Group (Germany)
Followed by Q&A
03.00pm Coffee Break
03.30pm
Public Event Welcome
·Paul Linnarz, Director of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung USA
·Tim Franklin, Senior Associate Dean at Medill School of Journalism
04.00pm
Session 4
“Journalists and Journalism under Fire: A Crisis for Democracy”
·Joie Chen, Director of Medill Programs, Washington, DC (former CNN, CBS News, Al Jazeera America Anchor) ~ Moderation and presentation
·Joel Simon, Executive Director at the Committee to Protect Journalists ~ Presentation
Followed by discussion with
·Maria Dimitrova, Editor in Chief ZOV News (Bulgaria)
·Eduardo Garcia, Editor, Sentido Comun (Mexico)
Followed by Q&A
05.30pm
Group Picture
Tour of Medill Campus led by Prof. Tim Franklin
06.00pm
Reception with Chicago style buffet in Medill Open Space, 16thfloor
(Beer, wine and soft drinks will be served)
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