June 29-July 1, 2006 conference at UMass Amherst aims to unite media, political, education, technology sectors in charting the future of journalism

A-CONFERENCE
June 29-July 1, 2006 conference at UMass Amherst aims to unite media, political, education, technology sectors in charting the future of journalism
By MGP Staff
Feb 2, 2006, 14:25

June 29-July 1, 2006 conference at UMass Amherst united media, political, education, technology visionaries in charting the future of journalism

This PAGE: http://www.mediagiraffe.org/conference/

An invitation to attend: INVITATION

Who's attending: PARTICIPANTS LIST

Latest news: NEWS
Downloadable program/speakers: (PDF)

HTML program pages and HOW TO REGISTER ONLINE

Pulitzer Prize-winning web editor Jon Donley, columnist Helen Thomas and other leaders in media, politics, education and technology will examine the future and sustainability of journalism, democracy, and communities in the Internet age at a summit conference at the University of Massachusetts Amherst June 29-July 1.

Hundreds of traditional and citizen journalists, political strategists, educators, bloggers, developers, technology and media researchers are expected to convene. The Media Giraffe Project, a non-partisan, interdisciplinary research effort of the UMass journalism program, is hosting the roundtable summit and how-to sessions designed to:

Consider and recommend answers to changes to the financing and practice of journalism
Bridge the gap between new and traditional media
Show and consider the impact of new media technologies on journalism and the "public sphere"
Spotlight emerging business models
Create new networks of media innovators which bridge traditional carriers among journalism, education, politics and technology
Watch and share innovations in media-literacy education.

Who's attending (add your name)?

Constituencies from mainstream and alternative media rarely meet together. Yet new technologies are currently upending and interweaving the practice of journalism, politics and teaching. Journalists see an erosion of traditional revenue sources which supported -- and were supported by -- their work. It's not clear what will sustain traditional "watchdog" journalism, or how it will co-exist, or merge, with so-called "citizen journalism." There's an atmosphere of anticipation and intense experimentation.

"Democracy and Independence" -- the first Media Giraffe Project summit and conference -- is the crossover meeting place for leading thinkers on the impact of Internet technology on journalism, media, education and politics -- and the place to celebrate "above-the-crowd" innovation. Major sponsors besides the University of Massachusetts include Omidyar Network, The Boston Globe and MassLive/The Republican newspaper. Co-conveners include the New England Press Association and Corante Media Hub.

To accommodate attendees from citizen journalism, media, politics, education and technology, a five-track event is scheduled, starting with a limited-enrollment roundtable summit, followed by a four-track conference.

Click HERE for program, lodging and travel details.
Click HERE online registration.
View printable program schedule: (PDF)

Individuals working in politics, at large media, cutting-edge information technology organizations, citizen-powered local-news web services, or in teaching and academia share a goal of fostering participatory democracy and community. "Democracy and Independence: Sharing of News in a Connected World" will bring them together to share what's working now and what's coming soon.

This first gathering of The Media Giraffe Project will observe changes in the structure of the U.S. media industry, the impact of the Internet on its financing, including copyright, the new relationships among creators and consumers of news, and how democracy is affected.

The event will be a chance to meet and learn from profiled Media Giraffe pioneers. "Media Giraffe Institute: Lessons from the Frontlines" will present case-studies of emerging local web-based news and community efforts in a "how-to" format designed to teach citizens and mainstream journalists field-tested approaches for two-way, participatory journalism.

There will be panels, discussions, demonstrations and workshops on specific projects underway nationwide (many profiled at: http://www.mediagiraffe.org/profiles/) which use media in innovative, sustainable ways to foster participatory democracy and community.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

The conference is designed for:

traditional media strategists, editors and practitioners
Elected officials, political and public-policy strategists
info-tech pioneers and entrepreneurs
operators of local-news websites and blogs
podcasters and vloggers dealing with news, political and public-policy issues.
academic researchers and students
citizens who want "how-to" knowledge about participatory media
anyone interested in new innovations in web, print, film and audio news creation, delivery and financing.

EARLY-REGISTRATION DISCOUNT / FELLOWSHIPS

An early-registration discount continues until May 22 -- $370 for the full program and $225 for Friday-Saturday only -- including meals. To request a fellowship discount, propose a conference presentation, panel or paper, or to inquire about exhibit or literature distribution, send email now with your contact information to:

conference (at) mediagiraffe.org

You will receive updates as specific registration and program information becomes available.

POST-CONFERENCE OPPORTUNITIES:

The event kicks off the Independence Day weekend, and we plan to package a variety of opportunities for post-conference touring of New England for attendees who wish to linger through July 4. The Five Colleges area of Massachusetts offers a remarkable combination of sophisticated, urban amenities amid rural beauty and is less than two hours from Boston. Access is via the Bradley International Airport (BDL), Providence or Boston.

Media Giraffe Project

108 Bartlett Hall

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst MA 01003

413-577-4370

mediagiraffe (at) journ.umass.edu

This page is available at: www.mediagiraffe.org/conference.html

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