Reimagining Local Journalism: A Brunch to Shape the Future of News in West Virginia

Local journalism in West Virginia is at a pivotal point, poised to challenge mainstream narratives and advocate for a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of our communities. On October 16, Black By God WV, The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, ACLU- WV and News Futures are hosting an event to explore the future of local journalism in West Virginia. This event aims to engage journalists, media enthusiasts, and community members in meaningful discussions about the role of journalism in safeguarding democracy and ensuring equitable representation.

Agenda

• 10:00 AM: Networking Brunch
• 10:15 AM: Welcome & Introductions
• 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Keynote Speaker – Alexandra Bell
• 11:30 AM – 11:45 AM: Break
• 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM: Break Out Sessions
• 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM: Break Out Session Recap and Action Steps for Journalists
• 1:45 PM – 2:00 PM: Thank you and Conclusion

Keynote Speaker: Alexandra Bell

We are honored to have Alexandra Bell, a renowned multidisciplinary artist, as the keynote speaker for the brunch. Best known for her series “Counternarratives,” Bell’s work critically examines how media frameworks impact the perception of Black people by highlighting biases in mainstream news. Through large-scale paste-ups of New York Times articles, Bell underscores the importance of media literacy and the need for authentic Black narratives. Her lectures offer a transformative perspective on journalism, emphasizing the significance of visual elements and the presentation of text.

About the Event

This four-hour brunch meeting at The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation will delve into the challenges and opportunities confronting local journalism in West Virginia. Discussions will focus on the critical role of journalism in democracy, the obstacles faced by local news sources, the dynamics of media ownership, and the pursuit of journalistic integrity. The event’s goal is to reimagine and support local journalism as a vital community resource.

Join us in this essential conversation about the future of news in our community. Your participation will contribute to shaping a media landscape that is more inclusive, accurate, and reflective of the diverse voices in West Virginia.

This event is in partnership with News Futures, Black By God WV, The Real WV, ACLU WV, and The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation. We encourage all interested in the evolution of local journalism to attend.

For more details and to RSVP, visit the event page here or contact traci@blackbygod.org