Experts to explore how to irrigate 'news deserts,' Sept. 26

News deserts — both in regional areas that lost their newspapers and in communities that are underserved by media — are proliferating and harming society. The National Press Club is hosting a series of programs over the next couple of months to look at remedies for this issue, which threatens not only journalism but democracy itself. 

Join us for a lively discussion on this important topic with a group of highly esteemed academics striving to make a difference at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26. Register online.

Tuesday's panelists are Teri Finneman, associate professor of journalism at the University of Kansas; Gracie Lawson-Borders, dean of the Cathy Hughes School of Communications at Howard University; Jerry Zremski, director of the Local News Network at Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland; and Patricia Guadalupe, a professor, based in Washington, who helps teach bilingual journalism .

Why is this topic so important? People in news deserts do not have access to the information they need to make informed decisions. Leaders tend not to be held accountable for their actions as they no longer have oversight from journalists. Communities of color or underrepresented groups often do not have their stories or concerns told unless they are connected to a big (often negative) event. People live in their bubbles and are inundated with misinformation/disinformation that fills the journalism void.

But, some groups and individuals are trying to change what's happening and are testing out different models to see what can work in an industry hurt by the drop in advertising dollars.

Tuesday's panel examines what leaders in academia are doing now. Our second panel will focus on the role played by ethnic media and newer media organizations focused on underrepresented communities. The third panel will look at the role being played by philanthropies on tackling news deserts.

Join this important conversation at the National Press Club.