Press Release
Denver to Debate the Future of News
Contact: Timothy Karr, 201-533-8838
DENVER -- On Wednesday night, Free Press, SaveTheNews.org and IWantMyRocky.com will bring together concerned citizens, journalists, lawmakers and community leaders to discuss the future of news in Denver and beyond.
What: "Saving the News: Denver and the Future of Journalism," a policy roundtable and public forum
When: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009, 6:30-9:30 p.m. MT
Where: Colorado History Museum, 1300 Broadway, Denver, Colo. 80203
**The event will be streamed live tonight at 8:30 p.m. E.T. at www.SavetheNews.org**
Earlier this year, Denver lost a major journalistic institution when the 150-year-old Rocky Mountain News shut its doors for good. But as the Rocky era ended, Denver was becoming a remarkable testing ground for journalism innovation and experimentation.
"At this critical juncture, citizens and journalists have a unique opportunity to shape and support the future of quality news in Denver and across the nation," said Josh Stearns of SaveTheNews.org, which organized the event. "It’s time for a public debate about the news our communities need - and the policies and projects that will get us there. Denver is the perfect place to get the discussion going."
The event will feature a roundtable discussion featuring former Rocky editor and publisher John Temple, Colorado Public Television CEO Wick Rowland, award-winning investigative reporter Laura Frank, former state senator Polly Baca, syndicated columnist and author David Sirota, and Craig Aaron.
Local journalists and nonprofit leaders from across Colorado will also be facilitating in-depth discussion on topics like: how to reinvent public media; what makes a journalist; how social media affect the news; the lessons of participatory journalism; and the connection between Internet policy and the future of journalism.
"The lesson of the Rocky's closure is that journalists cannot be objective about our right to exist," said Kim Humphreys, a former Rocky Mountain News journalist and director of IWantMyRocky.com, which is co-sponsoring the event. "We must engage the forces that put profit ahead of public service, and we must do it by taking an active, informed role in shaping public policy and the business practices of our industry."
For more information, visit www.SavetheNews.org/Denver
###
Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications. Learn more at www.freepress.net
What: "Saving the News: Denver and the Future of Journalism," a policy roundtable and public forum
When: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009, 6:30-9:30 p.m. MT
Where: Colorado History Museum, 1300 Broadway, Denver, Colo. 80203
**The event will be streamed live tonight at 8:30 p.m. E.T. at www.SavetheNews.org**
Earlier this year, Denver lost a major journalistic institution when the 150-year-old Rocky Mountain News shut its doors for good. But as the Rocky era ended, Denver was becoming a remarkable testing ground for journalism innovation and experimentation.
"At this critical juncture, citizens and journalists have a unique opportunity to shape and support the future of quality news in Denver and across the nation," said Josh Stearns of SaveTheNews.org, which organized the event. "It’s time for a public debate about the news our communities need - and the policies and projects that will get us there. Denver is the perfect place to get the discussion going."
The event will feature a roundtable discussion featuring former Rocky editor and publisher John Temple, Colorado Public Television CEO Wick Rowland, award-winning investigative reporter Laura Frank, former state senator Polly Baca, syndicated columnist and author David Sirota, and Craig Aaron.
Local journalists and nonprofit leaders from across Colorado will also be facilitating in-depth discussion on topics like: how to reinvent public media; what makes a journalist; how social media affect the news; the lessons of participatory journalism; and the connection between Internet policy and the future of journalism.
"The lesson of the Rocky's closure is that journalists cannot be objective about our right to exist," said Kim Humphreys, a former Rocky Mountain News journalist and director of IWantMyRocky.com, which is co-sponsoring the event. "We must engage the forces that put profit ahead of public service, and we must do it by taking an active, informed role in shaping public policy and the business practices of our industry."
For more information, visit www.SavetheNews.org/Denver
###
Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications. Learn more at www.freepress.net
