| 05-25-2009
If journalism goes bankrupt, can democracy be far behind?
The decline in local reporting is more than just a business problem waiting for a business solution. Journalism is a vital element in our democracy and we must pay attention when it is threatened.
What: A citizen conversation moderated by KCPT's Nick Haines
When: Thursday, June 4, 7-8:30 p.m. Reception from 6:30-7 p.m.
Where: Helzberg Auditorium, Kansas City Public Library's Central Library, 14 West 10th Street, Kansas City, MO. To register, call 816.701.3407 or go to http://www.kclibrary.org/event/democracy-and-decline-local-reporting. The event is free and open to the public. Free parking is available in the Library District Parking Garage at 10th and Baltimore.
Who: Consensus and the Kansas City Public Library are the event sponsors. Panelists include:
� Dave Helling, political reporter, The Kansas City Star
� Pam Fine, Knight Chair, University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism & Mass Communications
� Steve Rose, publisher, Sun Publications.
� Tony Botello, blogger, Tony's Kansas City
� John Landsberg, principal, Bottom Line Communications
Why: While opinions flourish everywhere, the sources of facts to inform those opinions are at risk. Print and broadcast media outlets are less and less able to pay for reporters to cover local news. The old business model is in trouble and its replacement has yet to be created.
In the meantime, what does the community have at stake and how should we respond to the reduction in local reporting? What are the implications of far fewer reporters covering our city halls and school boards or investigating stories that originate where we live? How are the changes in local reporting likely to affect our democracy? As citizens, what is our responsibility for making sure that local reporting continues to exist?
Consensus is celebrating 25 years of putting the public in public policy. The nonprofit organization gets citizens involved in studying issues and deciding what we, as a community, should do. Its work has resulted in new laws and new and improved programs.
Consensus works on behalf of the metro area on philanthropically funded projects like "By the People" with MacNeil/Lehrer Productions and KCPT Public Television. It also works on behalf of clients in metro Kansas City and around the U.S. For more information, see www.consensuskc.org.
|
