Assembling in January in Memphis a group of “journalists, educators, and media reformers from print, broadcast and new media, both mainstream and independent,” came together to look at the critical “intersection of journalism and media reform.” Neal Peirce and Farley Peters were there with them — they had a mission.
We firmly believe that a critical chunk of decisions in today’s world will be made at the metropolitan (we say “citistate”) level. Regions are the critical action arenas of the 21st century — the organic economies, natural watersheds, media catch basins, commute-sheds, workforce and education networks of our time. Regions are the platform that empower communities to achieve sustainability.
Now we’re seeing the emergence of the “new media” which seems to focus heavily on individuals, their opinions, and a brand of neighborhood-oriented, often hyper-local journalism. Which raises the problem — reporting on developments of regionwide issues doesn’t seem to be on anyone’s radar screen! How can quality, informed journalism about metro-region wide trends, developments, perils, opportunities, gain significant audiences in this new media era? How can we go beyond legacy media to use of new media, more citizen voice and participation in regional debates?
One idea: we call it the “Regional Jolt.”
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