Philanthropy New York Takes a Look at Journalism

I’m very interested in the discussion around the future of journalism both from the perspective of a Foundation and also as a graduated student studying Media, Culture, and Communication at NYU. I blogged last week about an event I attended where Robert McChesney and John Nichols discussed their recent book, The Death and Life of American Journalism.

Well it’s clearly something that other funders are interested in as well. Next week on Tuesday, February 23rd, Philanthropy New York (formerly New York Regional Association of Grantmakers) is hosting an event, American Journalism: Views on Reconstructing the Falling Industry from 3:00-5:00pm.

Last year in May, Philanthropy New York hosted a session that framed the issues that have led to the collapse of so many print media companies. Yet they recognize that the problem still exists; every day community newspapers are downsizing, cutting staff, and even declaring bankruptcy. The program will address the fundamental question: Why does it matter?

Speakers for next Tuesday’s event include 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. Vincent Stehle will be moderating the discussion. I’m looking forward to hearing 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.”

I’ll be attending the event Tuesday (at least until 4:30 when I’ll have to leave to run over to NYU for my digital media class) and will probably live tweet the event. I’ll also blog about it the day after. If you’re interested in attending you can RSVP directly to register@philanthropynewyork.org. The event is free for Philanthropy New York Members and open to non-members for $100.