Rowan University’s May 21 conference to explore The Future of Journalism: New Models, Digital Transformations and the Public Interest

The Sweeney Center for Public Policy and the Rowan University Department of Journalism will host major conference on “The Future of Journalism: New Models, Digital Transformations and the Public Interest” at Rowan University on Wednesday, May 21.

“Journalism in New Jersey and across the nation has been undergoing a critical transformation, with newspapers closing, reporting staffs shrinking and local news coverage in decline. But the ongoing crisis has also spurred innovation, with non-profits emerging to preserve and expand news coverage, digital sites springing up with new business models and increased collaboration among news organizations, particularly on investigative reporting,” said Sweeney Center Director Mark Magyar.

Speakers at the free conference, which will be held in the Eynon Ballroom of Rowan’s Chamberlain Student Center, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, will include:

• David Cruz, NJTV News senior correspondent;
• Ken Herts, chief operating officer of The Lenfest Institute for Journalism, nonprofit owner of the Philadelphia Inquirer;
• Enrique Lavin, editor, online newspapers, NJ Advance Media/The Star-Ledger/NJ.com;
• P. Kenneth Burns, New Jersey reporter for WHYY, NPR, and president of the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists;
• Amanda Richardson, executive director of the Corporation for New Jersey Local Media, nonprofit publisher of the New Jersey Hills Media Group and the West Essex Tribune;
• Michael M. Shapiro, founder and CEO, Tapinto.net;
• Stefanie Murray, executive director of the Center for Cooperative Media, Montclair State University;
• Terrence McDonald, editor of New Jersey Monitor, part of the 50-state nonprofit States Newsroom;
• Noelle Deihl-Harteveld, senior director of development, NJPBS and NJ Spotlight;
• Chris Daggett, president of the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium; and
• Marc Pfeiffer, author of "The Future of New Jersey Journalism: Evolution, Not Extinction."

"Journalism continues to face economic difficulties because the industry lost its longtime funding model of subscriptions and advertisements. However, new methods of news gathering and delivery are emerging, especially in the areas of local news and independent journalism," said Kathryn Quigley, chair of the Department of Journalism in Rowan’s Ric Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts.

The conference, which includes lunch, runs from 8:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Registration and breakfast begin at 8 a.m. Registration is online.

As with all Sweeney Center conferences, students are encouraged to attend.

For further information, see the Sweeney Center’s Events page at Events or contact Magyar at magyarm@rowan.edu.