Rowan University’s May 21 conference to explore ‘The Future of Journalism: New Models, Digital Transformations, and the Public Interest’  

The Sweeney Center for Public Policy is hosting a major conference on “The Future of Journalism: New Models, Digital Transformations, and the Public Interest” at Rowan University on Wednesday, May 21.

“Journalism in New Jersey and across the nation has been undergoing a critical transformation, with newspapers closing, reporting staffs shrinking, and local news coverage in decline. But the ongoing crisis has also spurred innovation, with non-profits emerging to preserve and expand news coverage, digital sites springing up with new business models, and collaboration increasing among news organizations, particularly on investigative reporting,” said Sweeney Center Director Mark Magyar.

Speakers at the conference will include:

·        Ken Herts, Chief Operating Officer of The Lenfest Institute for Journalism, nonprofit owner of the Philadelphia Inquirer;

·        Enrique Lavin, Editor, Online Newspapers, NJ Advance Media/ The Star-Ledger / NJ.com;

·        Amanda Richardson, Executive Director of the Corporation for New Jersey Local Media, nonprofit publisher of the New Jersey Hills Media Group and the West Essex Tribune’

·        Michael M. Shapiro, Founder and CEO, Tapinto.net;

·        Stefanie Murray, Executive Director of the Center for Cooperative Media, Montclair State University;

·        Terrence McDonald, Editor of New Jersey Monitor, part of the 50-state nonprofit States Newsroom;

·        Chris Daggett, President of the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium; and

·        Marc Pfeiffer, author of “The Future of New Jersey Journalism: Evolution, Not Extinction.”

“Journalism continues to face economic difficulties because the industry lost its longtime funding model of subscriptions and advertisements. However, new methods of news gathering and delivery are emerging, especially in the areas of local news and independent journalism,” said Kathryn Quigley, Chair of the Journalism Department, Ric Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts, Rowan University.

The conference is free. Registration and breakfast open at 8:00 a.m. The program will run from 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Lunch is included.

The May 21 conference is cosponsored by the Sweeney Center for Public Policy, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Rowan University Journalism Department, and the nonprofit Corporation for New Jersey Local Media.

For further information, see the Sweeney Center’s Events page or contact Mark Magyar at magyarm@rowan.edu.