Newseum Will Host 'Advocacy Journalism in the Digital Age' Conference on March 1

Internet Pioneer Ted Leonsis Will Be the Keynote Speaker

WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On March 1, the Newseum, in association with American University's School of Communication and the Ford Foundation, will co-sponsor a day-long conference to explore the rise of advocacy journalism in mass communication, as well as its use by nonprofit social-change organizations. The conference, "Advocacy Journalism in the Digital Age," will bring together thought leaders in social activism, public policy, journalism and media to help define the opportunities and challenges created by new technologies.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080919/NEWSEUMLOGO)

Ted Leonsis, a pioneer of the new media industry, professional sports team owner and philanthropist, will be the keynote speaker. In 2008, Leonsis launched SnagFilms, an online service that provides instant streaming and viral sharing of independently produced documentary films.

The conference will consist of three main panel discussions and two breakout sessions that will facilitate discussions between nonprofit advocacy organizations, producers and other media practitioners.

Participating organizations will include Bloomberg News, the National Wildlife Federation, NPR, Huffington Post, Oxfam and the United Nations Development Programme. Each panel discussion will encourage audience questions and participation.

Schedule:

Panel 1: "Advocacy Journalism Today: Where Are We?"

9 to 10:15 a.m.

Panelists: Apollo Gonzales, Natural Resources Defense Council; Sandy Close, New America Media; Tracy Van Slyke, The Media Consortium; and Clark Hoyt, Bloomberg News.

Panel 2: "Case Studies: What Works, and How? What Does 'Success' Look Like?"

10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Panelists: Wendy Hanamura, Link TV; Patrick Meier, Ushahidi; Jon Sawyer, Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting; Susannah Vila, Alliance for Youth Movements, Stephane Dujarric, United Nations Development Programme; and Bob Sipchen, Sierra Club.

Keynote Address

12:45 to 1:15 p.m.

Ted Leonsis, founder of SnagFilms and chairman, CEO and majority owner, Monumental Sports Entertainment.

Panel 3: "Earning Trust/Credibility"

1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Panelists: Alicia Shepard, National Public Radio; Danielle Brigida, National Wildlife Federation; Arthur Delaney, The Huffington Post; and Nick Clooney, director, "Journey to Darfur."

Breakout Session 1: "Getting Started"

3 to 4 p.m.

Panelists: Sandy Close, New America Media; Todd Wolfson, Media Mobilizing Project; Marisa Jahn, People's Production House; and Jessica Clark, AU School of Communication's Center for Social Media, the Future of Public Media Project.

Breakout Session 2: "Working Models, Making Connections"

3 to 4 p.m.

Panelists: Molly O'Brien, award-winning documentary producer and director; Jeffrey Tuchman, Peabody Award-winning documentarian and founder of Documania Films; and Jane Huber, Oxfam.

This program is free and open to the public, but registration is required. RSVP at [email protected].

About the Newseum

The Newseum — a 250,000-square-foot museum of news — offers visitors an experience that blends five centuries of news history with up-to-the-second technology and hands-on exhibits. Within its seven levels of galleries and theaters, the Newseum offers a unique environment that takes museum-goers behind the scenes to experience how and why news is made. Follow the Newseum on Twitter and Facebook.

About American University's School of Communication

American University's School of Communication is a laboratory for professional education, communication research, and innovative production across the fields of journalism, film and media arts, and public communication. The school's academic programs emphasize traditional skills and values while anticipating new professional roles, media services, and technologies. Follow AU SOC on Twitter  @AU_SOC, Facebook and YouTube.

About the Ford Foundation

Established in 1936, the Ford Foundation is an independent, global organization with a legacy of commitment to innovative leaders on the frontlines of social change.

SOURCE Newseum