BACKGROUND

How it Began

In June 2000, thanks to a lead from Cole Campbell, Stephen Silha, Peggy Holman, and Chris Peck had a conversation about the future of journalism. It ended with an invitation from Chris: what did we think about a national conversation among journalists about the future of journalism?

That question launched an ambitious idea: Let's engage the people involved with the news in examining their craft -- its fundamental purpose, how it is done, what it means to be a watchdog, to serve the public interest. In other words, do something rarely done by the industry -- reflect on the purpose and practice of journalism so that the stories told serve us well.

We spent much of the next two years seeking foundation funding to convene conversations, sponsored by the APME (Associated Press Managing Editors) in every US state. Here are two versions of the proposal.

The long version

A two-page version with a regional focus.

This web site is one result of our efforts to date.

Who might be involved in Journalism that Matters?

	People with pieces of the puzzle
	People with a stake in the outcome
	People who influence the news
	People with resources
	People with the authority to act

Here's a picture:

Have we missed something? Let us know at jtm@mediagiraffe.org.

Activities to Date

Journalism That Matters: The DC Sessions
On August 7 and 8, 2007, The Media Giraffe Project at UMass Amherst and the Journalism That Matters Consortium co-hosted a structured dialogue at George Washington University among media educators, activists and industry veterans. One highlight was a way of thinking about journalism education:

From Mainstream to New Media: Finding Common Ground to Grow Participatory Democracy

On January 11 and 12, 2007, The Media Giraffe Project at UMass Amherst and the Journalism That Matters Consortium co-hosted a structured dialogue among media activists, industry veterans, innovators and researchers. "From Mainstream to New Media: Finding Common Ground to Grow Participatory Democracy." The gathering overlaped -- but was independent of -- the Third National Conference for Media Reform at the Memphis [Tenn.] Cook Convention Center. Click here for a summary of the meeting.

Journalism That Matters at the Media Giraffe Conference

On June 30 and July 1, 2006, 30 people (editors, academics, students, bloggers, reporters, foundation executives) participated in a highly condensed exploration of "The New News Ecology" as part of a conference on the future of journalism at the University of Massachusetts. For details, see www.mediagiraffe.org/journalism/

Journalism that Matters: The New News Ecology

On April 19-22, 2006, twenty-two people passionate about journalism – professionals from print, broadcast, new media, both mainstream and independent, citizens, educators, a funder and a student – convened in St. Louis to consider “What is the next newsroom and how do we create it?” The report.

2010: Journalism That Matters For the 21st Century

On October 6-9, 2005, twenty-nine people in journalism (print, broadcast, new media, citizen activists, educators, a student, a funder and a Wall Street analyst) convened at the Fetzer Institute’s Seasons Retreat Center to consider the future of journalism. The report.

	Newsroom Summit at 2001 National APME Conference Editors and journalism students held a conversation in on Journalism that Matters that was a conference highlight for many. Here's the story and the proceedings.
	Associated Press Managing Editors (APME) board We piloted a conversation using and

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How it Began

Who might be involved in Journalism that Matters?

Activities to Date

From Mainstream to New Media: Finding Common Ground to Grow Participatory Democracy

Send mail to webmaster@journalismthatmatters with questions or comments about this web site. Last modified: 11/27/06

Send mail to webmaster@journalismthatmatters with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 11/27/06