February 28.2009 - March 3.2009

Poynter Institute
St. Petersburg, FL

Some 15,000 U.S. journalists have left theire jobs in the last couple of years. The New News Ecology means new jobs, new tools, new relationships, new businesses.

Journalism's very survival -- at least its values and purpose -- depends on the ability of news organizations -- and citizens -- to adapt to a dramatically evolving landscape. Who -- what -- will emerge as the journalism leaders of the future if the legacy organizations fail to cross the chasm to the new news ecology?

Where, now, does the news industry end, and begin? As some newsrooms shrink and morph, what -- and where -- are the new roles for journalists -- and journalism -- in a broader civic sphere? How do we match journalism with the work of non-profit organizations, government, civic and even advocacy groups . . . without abandoning its core values and functions to democracy?

Our hunch is that laid-off journalists will find purpose and passion in new ways which go beyond the legacy newsrooms they have left. We want to help envision the places where that purpose and passion can find support and recognition. We seek to do so not just via dialogue within the industry, but by convening folks from outside the traditional confines of journalism as well -- educators, human-service professionals, public officials -- who may start to sketch the outlines of new collaborations.

Don't miss your chance to learn how and why newsrooms -- and the news sphere -- must change. Work sessions will be designed to define the new jobs, skills and relationships that will sustain a 21st-century news organization. Participants themselves will frame the critical discussions leading to our intended outcome -- new places, new roles -- and new support -- for the values and functions of journalism in a participatory democracy.

For more information, go to the Media Giraffe Newsecology page.