Community Journalism Day

October 17, 2013

A group of Vermont’s top journalists from print, broadcast and web media will gather at Johnson State College on Friday, Nov. 1, to share their perspectives on the rapidly changing face of journalism today.

Dubbed “Community Journalism Day at JSC,” the event is co-sponsored by the Vermont Press Association and JSC’s Communications and Community Media program. It is free and open to the public.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and is followed by a keynote address at 9 a.m. by longtime, award-winning reporter Mike Donoghue of the Burlington Free Press. Panel discussions and questions from the audience begin at 10 a.m.

Topics and panelists include:

• “Disruption and Adaptation: How Our Local News Media Are Adapting to Changing Technologies and Reader Demands,” 10-10:50 a.m.: Michael Townsend of The Burlington Free Press; Anne Galloway of VTdigger.org; Angelo Lynn of The Addison Independent; and Steve Bottari of WCAX.

• “Where the Sun Don’t Shine,” a discussion about the hurdles journalists face when seeking access to basic public records from government agencies, 11-11:50 a.m.: Mike Donoghue, Burlington Free Press; Ken Picard, Seven Days; Bridget Shanahan, WPTZ; and Ross Connelly, The Hardwick Gazette.

• “What You Need to Know,” a discussion among media professionals about the qualities they seek when hiring journalists, 1:15-2:30 p.m.: Bethany Dunbar, The Barton Chronicle; John Dillon, news director of Vermont Public Radio; and Matt Kannar, The Stowe Reporter.

• “Still Indispensable,” a discussion among Vermont journalists about their role in covering local Vermont communities, 2:45-3:30 p.m.: Steven Pappas, editor, Barre-Montpelier Times Argus; J.B. McKinley, editor, News & Citizen; and Ross Connelly, editor, The Hardwick Gazette.

Community Journalism Day at Johnson State College is an opportunity to learn about the challenges and opportunities facing news professionals in today’s fast-changing media environment. It is designed for college and high school students, educators, news consumers and practicing media professionals.

Pre-registration is requested. Lunch in the Stearns Dining Hall is available for $6 for non-JSC college students and members of the public. For more information, contact Professor Tyrone Shaw via email, or call 802-635-1394.