American Journalism: Views on Reconstructing the Falling Industry

Registration is required by February 21.

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A Philanthropy New York THOUGHT LEADER program.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: All interested funders.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
On May 18, 2009, Philanthropy New York hosted a session that framed the issues that have led to the collapse of so many print media companies.

The problem still exists; every day community newspapers are downsizing, cutting staff, and even declaring bankruptcy. 

Why does it matter? Community leaders and media advocates maintain that the loss of print media presents a fundamental threat to our democracy. How will we deliberate on major policy debates if there is no venue for these debates? At the local, state, and national level, a healthy policy process requires a full and open examination of policy options. Equally, a strong and independent press is necessary to prevent corruption in business and government circles.

We invite you to a debate between Michael Schudson, co-author of The Reconstruction of American Journalism and Professor of Communication at Columbia’s University’s Graduate School of Journalism, and Calvin Sims, Program Officer at the Ford Foundation, to hear their views on the role of government, the role of philanthropy, the role of professional journalists, and the changing role of the audience in reconstructing this falling industry.

PRESENTERS:

• Michael Schudson, author of The Reconstruction of American Journalism, Professor of Communication at Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism
• Calvin Sims, Program Officer, The Ford Foundation
• Vince Stehle (moderator), Consultant, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

OTHER INFORMATION: For questions, please contact register@philanthropynewyork.org.