INDIANAPOLIS — At a time when local journalism is under threat, Indiana Humanities, in partnership with the Hoosier State Press Association, invites Hoosiers across the state to participate in a virtual dinner party about why local reporting matters.
Designed to be in-depth and fun, the simultaneous statewide conversations called “Chew on This: Why Does Local Reporting Matter?” will take place Sept. 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Each discussion will be led by a pair of Indiana journalists or media executives.
Among the topics of conversation will be the historical role of local journalists — watchdogs that hold elected leaders accountable — as well as feature writers and sports reporters who forge a sense of community by informing residents about happenings around town and the ups-and-downs of hometown teams.
The conversations will be especially timely in our time when the business model of ad-supported print media has collapsed. News is consolidating, journalists are being laid off, and reporters are expected to do more with less. While no one knows a community like its local reporters, there are fewer of them every day.
Tickets are $10 per person. Attendees are encouraged to support local restaurants to purchase their dinner on their own. Space is limited and registration is required at https://cotlocalreporting.eventbrite.com/.
Reporters and editors from The Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis Monthly, and Indianapolis Business Journal will participate.