Experts to discuss newspapers’ future Tuesday in Park Library
Although the future of the newspaper industry is unknown, Michigan journalists will discuss what they know about the newspaper industry Tuesday.
“I don’t think the newspaper industry is all ‘doom and gloom’ like people are making it out to be,” said Jim Wojcik, an associate journalism professor. “This is definitely a rude awakening for society in general because people are seeing what happens when something is taken away from them.”
The journalism department and Clarke Historical Library are holding a panel discussion entitled, “Michigan’s Newspaper Industry: Our Past, Present and Future.” The presentation will take place from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday in the Baber Room of the Charles V. Park Library.
Wojcik said this discussion will include five panelists from across the state of Michigan who are alumni of CMU and will be moderated by journalism professor Dennis Jeffers.
The panelist include Lonnie Peppler-Moyer, past president of the Michigan Press Association and publisher of Monroe Evening News and Bedford Now; Laura Varon Brown, Audience editor and columnist for the Detroit Free Press and member of its digital transition team; Tony Dearing, former editor of the Flint Journal and now content director of annarbor.com; and Mike MacLaren, executive director of the Michigan Press Association.
A wide range of topics will be covered. There will not be a targeted agenda, so each person can address what they have experienced and what they think of the newspaper industry.
“In addition to a rich history, Michigan’s newspaper industry has an innovative future as well,” Jeffers said. “While the nation’s economic difficulties have exacerbated problems associated with producing, publishing and distributing all newspapers, the Michigan newspapers represented by this panel are leaders in finding solutions. The journalists on this panel will highlight what these solutions entail, as well as what the changes mean for Michigan citizens.”
Following the discussion, there will be a reception and tour of Clarke Historical Library’s current exhibit “Celebrating Two Centuries of Michigan Newspapers.”
university@cm-life.com
Chatter
DominieDirtch: Lefevour has been in some unique situations - coaching changes, the biggest
Michmediaperson: As an alum, I find this a tremendous honor by CMU. Long overdue! The te
Ashamed: The "biggest civil rights issue of the decade"? For whom? Those private int
RHS: Why is Central Michigan University honoring a man that destroyed public edu
bThug!: Jay Smith was a cancer! Now he is gone!