Northwestern University – Press Freedom Under Fire: Threats to Journalism and Democracy

A two-day session called “Press Freedom Under Fire: Threats to Journalism and Democracy” will feature robust discussions with domestic and international newsroom leaders, experts, and on-the-ground reporters about the challenges facing journalists. The program is sponsored by Medill and the Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs.

The program in Evanston is free and open to all, and registration is required. A schedule of events is below.

“A free press is essential but today journalists in the U.S. and around the world are facing numerous threats, including censorship, physical threats, digital intimidation and financial peril,” said Medill Dean Charles Whitaker. “Our conference will shine light on these challenges and also explore what we all can do to overcome these challenges.”

The event will open Thursday, Oct. 23 at 5:30 pm with a keynote address from Wendy McMahon who until earlier this year served as the president of CBS News. McMahon separated from the network over concerns about the direction of news coverage and threats to the freedom of journalists on the flagship 60 Minutes program to report.

The evening will include the presentation of the James Foley-Medill Medal for Courage in Journalism.

Beginning at 10 am on Thursday, Oct. 24, two panel discussions will highlight the challenges journalists are facing. One will discuss digital and physical threats and the other will highlight legal and financial challenges as well as discuss possible solutions for news outlets. Confirmed panelists include:

Julie Pace, executive editor of the Associated Press
Roberson Alphonse, Haitian journalist
April Xu, journalist at Documented
Adam Ganucheau, editor-in-chief at Mississippi Today
Tenzin Pema, University of Michigan Knight-Wallace journalism fellow
Chris Casquejo, former correspondent and program host for Voice of America

Please register to attend either of the events. Lunch is provided on Oct. 24.

REGISTER: https://forms.medill.northwestern.edu/view.php?id=1037079

Press Freedom Under Fire: Threats to Journalism and Democracy
October 23-24
Northwestern University
Guild Lounge, 601 University Place, Evanston
Event Schedule
5:30 pm, Thursday, Oct. 23 – Keynote speech by Wendy McMahon, presentation of the James Foley Medill Medal for Courage in Journalism and reception
9:30 am – 2:45 pm, Friday, Oct. 24 – Panel discussions on digital and physical threats to journalists, and legal and financial threats and opportunities for journalists.