Communities in a Democracy

WHAT:

Are Philadelphia citizens getting the information they need in order to solve community problems, coordinate civic activity, maintain public accountability, and foster the human connectedness that is the backbone of both community and democracy?

The Knight Commission on the Information Needs of Communities in a Democracy (www.knightcomm.org) is conducting a year long study to identify the information needs of communities in a democracy, assess how and whether those needs are being met, and recommend steps to improve the fulfillment of those needs.

In addition to reviewing research on information access and trends, including media developments, new technology, and innovations in civic and government communication, the Commission is soliciting testimony from national experts and holding community forums to hear from local citizens and practitioners about the "information ecosystems" in their communities.

The Commission will issue a report in 2009 offering recommendations for achieving the news and information environment that democratic communities need in order to thrive.

WHO:

This Community Forum is open for public attendance. The Roundtable contributors offering informed perspectives are listed below. To view the full agenda, click here.

• Peter Bloom, Executive Director, Juntos

• Josh Cornfield, Editor, Metro (Philadelphia)

• Dave Davies, Senior Writer, Philadelphia Daily News

• Nijmie Dzurinko, Director, Philadelphia Student Union

• Matt Golas, Managing Editor, Plan Philly

• Phyllis Kaniss, Executive Director, American Academy of Political and Social Science, Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania

• Don Kimelman, Managing Director, Information Initiatives and the Philadelphia Program, The Pew Charitable Trusts

• Gustavo Martinez, Reporter, Al Día

• Beth McConnell, Executive Director, Media and Democracy Coalition

• Susan Phillips, Reporter, WHYY, Inc.

• Janet Ryder, Vice President of Labor Relations, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania

• Chris Satullo, Former Editorial Page Editor and writer of the Center Square Column, The Philadelphia Inquirer

• Bruce Schimmel, Founder & Editor Emeritus, Philadelphia City Paper

• Paul Socolar, Editor and Director, The Notebook

• Zach Stalberg, President and CEO, The Committee of Seventy

• Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg, Founder, Young Philly Politics

• Wendy Warren, Vice President and Editor, Philly.com

• Linn Washington, Co-Director, Multimedia Urban Reporting Lab (MURL)

• Todd Wolfson, Founder, Media Mobilizing Project

WHEN: Saturday, September 27, 9AM-5PM

WHERE: Annenberg School for Communication, Room 109, University of Pennsylvania
3620 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104

QUESTIONS: Email: erin.silliman@aspeninstitute.org or call (202) 736-5818.

WEBCAST: The meeting will be webcast live and available for future viewing on www.knightcomm.org.

BACKGROUND:

The Knight Commission on the Information Needs of Communities in a Democracy is a 15-member commission assembled to recommend both public and private measures that would help American communities better meet their information needs. The Commission's research-based approach examines the following three questions: What are the information needs of communities in our American democracy? What are the current trends affecting how community information needs are met? And what changes will ensure that community information needs will be better met in the future?

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation promotes excellence in journalism worldwide and invests in the vitality of 26 U.S. communities where the Knight brothers owned newspapers. Knight Foundation focuses on ideas and projects that create transformational change. Nearly 20 years ago, the Knight Foundation created the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics. That first Knight Commission has helped restore intercollegiate athletics to the control of university presidents.

The Aspen Institute mission is twofold: to foster values-based leadership, encouraging individuals to reflect on the ideals and ideas that define a good society, and to provide a neutral and balanced venue for discussing and acting on critical issues. The Aspen Institute does this primarily in four ways: seminars, young-leader fellowships around the globe, policy programs, and public conferences and events. The Institute is based in Washington, DC, Aspen, Colorado, and on the Wye River on Maryland's Eastern Shore and has an international network of partners.

Aspen Institute

Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute is an educational and policy studies organization based in Washington, DC. Its mission is to foster leadership based on enduring values and to provide a nonpartisan venue for dealing with critical issues. The Institute has campuses in Aspen, Colorado, and on the Wye River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It also maintains offices in New York City and has an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org or follow on Twitter @AspenInstitute.

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