PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 22, 2018

 

Contact: Jessa Henschel
March 22, 2018
jessahenschel@gmail.com
908-731-2500

 

 

Forum Explores News Media’s Role in Powering Democracy
7 experts discuss civics & solutions-based news that equips citizens   

SUMMIT, New Jersey -- A public forum, “Solutions & Civics-based News: Powering Democracy,” will take place on Friday, April 6, 5pm, at the School of Communications and Media, Montclair State University at 1 Normal Ave, Montclair. The forum is presented by CivicStory.org, a nonprofit news site focused on sustainability and civic change.

“Solutions journalism and civics-based news can help spur constructive action in communities,” says CivicStory founder Susan Haig. “Without these vital components, daily news can unintentionally reinforce the status quo.”

In an era of environmental instability and intensifying weather events, does news have a larger purpose?  What is the collaborative potential of NJ news media, and how does news affect democracy? Seven news leaders will discuss these and other questions, followed by an audience Q & A:

  • Tony Dearing, Director of News Operations, NJ Advance Media
  • Ed Forbes, Senior Dir., Breaking & Local News, North Jersey Media
  • Liza Gross, VP, Newsroom Practice Change, Solutions Journalism Network
  • Michael Hill, Correspondent, Anchor, NJTV News
  • John Mooney, CEO and Education Writer, NJ Spotlight
  • Christina Shih, COO, News Revenue Hub
  • Mikhael Simmonds, Northeast Manager & Multimedia Lead, Solutions Journalism Network

Also participating are Lisa Allen, MA Communications Candidate at MSU, and Joanna Borowski, Associate Director of Education, NJSO.

“I'm excited to be part of this forum because I believe NJ has untapped creative capacity,” said MA Communications candidate and forum co-moderator Lisa Allen. “We’re starting to think differently because old ways aren't working.  Solutions and civics-based news can equip people for action.”

Free parking is available in the Red Hawk parking garage on the MSU campus, and light refreshments will be served at 7 pm.  Admission for the forum is $5 with online registration at CivicStory.org and $15 at the door.                                    

About
CivicStory is a nonprofit solutions-based news site highlighting sustainability and creative change in NJ cities and beyond. A 501 (c) (3) based in Summit, NJ, its mission is to advance solutions-based news about citizens and organizations transforming their communities. Our archive of 95 videos is viewable at www.CivicStory.org

Event Details:

What: Public Forum - Solutions & Civics-based News: Powering Democracy
Who: New Jersey news executives, editors, nonprofit leaders
When: Friday, April 6, 5 pm to 6:50 pm
Where: School of Communication & Media, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Ave., Montclair
Cost: $5 Online; $15 at the door
To Go:  Register at www.CivicStory.org   

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