Change, Challenge and Community - Is Local Media Dead?
Join Alumni Western for a thought provoking and timely panel discussion about The Future of Local Media. As media corporations and governments reduce their investments in local programming, citizens are often left wondering how they will get the news and information they need.
Four media experts discuss and debate the challenge of covering communities in a chaotic media landscape. Who will pay for local news? How will it be delivered? Can local coverage survive?
The evening includes a pre and post panel networking reception. Appetizers and refreshments will be provided. A cash bar will also be available. Admission to this event is complimentary, but you must register online by Thursday, January 14, 2010.
Moderator:
Paul Benedetti, Lecturer, Western’s Faculty of Information & Media Studies
Paul has more than 20 years experience as an investigative reporter, editor, columnist and magazine feature writer. He has extensive experience in the online world as a producer, writer and editor for the Southam New Media lab, AOL Canada and Canoe Travel. He is the Deputy Editor and Interactive Editor for J-Source, The Canadian Journalism Project Canada's leading site on journalism. He currently writes a bi-weekly column for the Hamilton Spectator.
Panelists:
David Estok, Editor-in-Chief for The Hamilton Spectator
David also served as an adjunct professor of journalism at Western and led the university's Communications and Public Affairs Department for over a decade. Estok has more than 20 years experience in journalism, public affairs and communications marketing. He holds a Master's Degree in Journalism from Carleton University and an Honours Degree in English and History from The University of Western Ontario.
Connie Smith, Supervising Producer and Host, Always Good News, CTS Television
Connie has been one of the most recognizable and engaging personalities on the air and behind the podium in Southern Ontario for more than 30 years. Her on-air credits include anchoring, reporting and producing for CHCH-TV Hamilton, CKVR-TV (“A” Channel”) Barrie, CFRB-Radio Toronto and CKOC-Radio Hamilton. Connie recently co-produced, the documentary special, Elizabeth’s Hope, which won the ALS Society of Canada’s National Public Awareness Award.
Bill Kelly, Host, The Bill Kelly Show, AM900 CHML
Bill Kelly has a solid background in media. He has over 30 years of broadcast experience and a wealth of market knowledge and passion that he brings to the program daily. Bill hosted a daily, nationally broadcast, interactive political talk show for five years on CHTV, worked as a host on CHML from 1988-1997 and was a stadium announcer for the Hamilton Tiger Cats for 13 seasons. Bill also held a council seat in Hamilton for 9 years from 1997-2005.
Ryan McGreal, Editor, Raise the Hammer
Representing “new media,” Ryan is the editor of Raise the Hammer, an online magazine on urban revitalization in Hamilton, Ontario. He is a volunteer and founding member for Hamilton Light Rail, a citizens' group dedicated to bringing light rail transit to Hamilton. He is also is the city editor for H Magazine, and several of his essays have been published in the Hamilton Spectator.
