Jtm-sv-program-topics

Creating the program -- posting ideas

Our purpose at JTM-Silicon Valley is to create a framework for journalists and technologists to form groups -- we're calling them "design circles" -- which will produce ideas, projects, systems and businesses for sustaining elements of journalism critical to participatory democracy.

There will be plenty of time to do so from Wednesday afternoon through Friday, and the option to continue on Saturday morning. Here are some of the sessions we know will be included. Add your ideas to this wiki with your name and contact information and we'll contact you in the next few weeks to help you flesh out and post your session.

-- Bill Densmore, 413-458-8001

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Mapping the newsroom

• We'll create two conceptual maps which chart the manufacturing of news has it has been done historically, and how it might be done in the future. This will encourage specific discussion about points where technology and business models need change, and make sure non-journalists understand the current system. Breakout leaders: Chris Peck, editor, The [Memphis] Commercial Appeal.

What's the core worth saving?

• Some legacy processes in the newsroom are artifacts of old technology. Others protect and enhance core ethical values or standards. Which are worth saving and which can be jettisoned to make way for more collaborative, inclusive approaches? We'll make some lists and match those worth saving to possible enabling technologies that are better, faster, cheaper than today.

What's the matter with journalists?

• Technologists and media reformers discuss why mainstream media "doesn't get it." The idea is to put "it" on the table and ask MSM journalists to explain why they don't get it. The point is to find common ground: Is it possible that some of the ideas resisted by "MSM" -- such as greater reliance on fix-it-on-the-fly fact gathering -- are historically flawed? Or not?

At least five technologies disrupting the news

• We'll describe at least five technologies disrupting -- and reinventing the news. Examples include search, social networks, mobile computing, crowdsourcing, audience fragmentaion database mashups and identity management. How should the news -- and journalism -- adapt? Design circles may breakout to work on the ideas. Breakout convenor: Paul Gillen, author, "The New Influencers: A Marketer's Guide to Social Media," and former editor, ComputerWorld magazine.

Does ownership matter?

• An update on experiments in alternative forms of media ownership, and how they may change the origins, flow, and impact of news. Examples might include Center for Public Integrity, ProPublica, ePluribus Media, the California Media Project, Village Soup Commons, the New Haven Independent, the employee-owned Tribune Co., and a variety of open-source projects. Breakout convenor: Bill Densmore, Media Giraffe Project.

What will sustain journalism that matters?

• An update on the state of small-scale citizen journalism efforts. What technologies do they use? Are they getting traction with advertisers? Are volunteership and avocation sustainable? How does that change the journalism which results? What new business models are possible? Breakout convenor: Len Witt, Kennesaw State University.

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