Local news is in crisis. Yet meaningful participation in civic life—and democracy as a whole—is impossible without it. In their 2024 book What Works in Community News, veteran journalists Ellen Clegg and Dan Kennedy cut through the pessimism surrounding this issue, showing the public that new, innovative journalism models are popping up across the country.
Join Clegg and Kennedy for an inspiring conference aimed at solving the local news crisis and putting the lessons learned from What Works into action. The event will offer a space for local news leaders to connect, collaborate, and discuss the challenges in their work. In a series of 50-minute sessions, Clegg and Kennedy will moderate panel discussions with experts on data storytelling, audience engagement, nonprofit newsrooms, collaborations between student journalists and communities, and more. There will be a book presentation and signing at lunch.
This event is co-sponsored by the School of Journalism; the Center for Communication, Media Innovation, and Social Change; and the CAMD Dean’s Office.