Nov. 6 Media Forum: Is Local News Serving Your Community?
Sunday Nov, 06 2011
On Sunday, November 6th an event called “Is Local News Serving Your Community? A Public Forum in East Austin on the Crisis of Local Media Coverage,” will take place from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. in the Agard-Lovinggood Auditorium.
It is presented by the University of Texas School of Journalism and is co-sponsored by HT’s new communication major and KAZI community radio.
The event is triggered by a recent Federal Communication Commission (FCC) report that surveyed the United States media landscape following the digital revolution. The findings show a sharp decline in local news coverage and especially a loss of original reporting and accountability journalism. The report is of particular cause for concern for underserved communities like East Austin.
Long-time journalist Steve Waldman, who worked as a correspondent for Newsweek for many years and served as national editor for US News and World Report, was one of the authors of this report. He will present the main findings. Then, a panel of media and journalism experts will discuss their insights. Finally, we’ll open it up to the public for discussion with a focus on building solutions.
SPEAKERS & PANELISTS INCLUDE:
Presiding: Glenn Frankel, Director, UT School of Journalism
Featuring: Steve Waldman, Author and Journalist, FCC Working Group
Moderating: Dr. Laura K. Smith, Asst. Professor of Communication, HT
Panelists:
- Michael Fabac, News Director, KXAN-TV
- KAZI Community Radio (panelist TBA)
- Alberta Phillips, Editorial Writer and Columnist, Austin American Statesman
- Karla Saldaña, Training Director, Community Media Center & Equal Opportunity Chair for the National Board of the Alliance for Community Media
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dr. Laura K. Smith, Assistant Professor of Communication, 512.505.3122
