[MGP-Forum Announce] SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 12: A conversation about journalism, democracy and our communities

Sun Dec 2 09:12:30 CST 2007

Subitted by Josh Wilson (edit at artsandmedia.net)
415/861-5302

"Save the News!"
A conversation about journalism, democracy and our communities

December 12, 2007, 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
CounterPulse, 1310 Mission Street x 9th Street
San Francisco

Cost: FREE

Event Description:

Newsrooms are hamstrung as layoffs and consolidation continue to shift the focus from public service to the financial bottom line. Meanwhile, the MediaNews Group has a near monopoly on Bay Area newspapers; the company is now attempting to wipe out the Media Workers Guild and any other obstacle to cost-cutting.

The Internet remains vulnerable to the same marketplace compromises. Join us for this investigation of alternative business models for publishing the news, and help ensure journalism remains a vital part of our civic lives.

With:

* Rose Aguilar, (KALW-FM, Your Call radio), on public radio's role in filling the void.

* Carl Hall (Northern California Media Workers and SF Chronicle science reporter), on union organizing in the Bay Area News Group.

* Barry Parr (Coastsider.com, Mercury Center and News.com co-founder), on hyperlocal community news media.

* Michael Stoll (Grade the News, SJSU, The Public Press Initiative), on creating an advertising-free daily newspaper.

* Josh Wilson (Newsdesk.org), on the challenges of commercial-free journalism online.