March 24 2009 - National Press Clubs of Canada and United States Host Forum on Journalism's Future and Values

The National Press Club, the world's leading professional organization for journalists, is teaming up with the National Press Club of Canada Foundation and the Media Club of Ottawa to look at where the news business is going and how to protect its core values.

The March 24 event, Media in the New World, will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the O'Connor Room at the Sheraton Ottawa Hotel. It is open to the public (club members $20, non-members $25). Reservations can be made by calling Lisa at 613-567-9901.

Speaking on the panel will be:

Paul Hambleton, managing editor of CBC Ottawa;

David Akin, national affairs correspondent for Canwest News Service and one of Canada's top bloggers;

Bill Curry, leading journalist for the Globe and Mail; and

Joe Banks, award-winning community newspaper editor and journalism professor at the Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology's Media Centre.

The panel will be moderated by Gil Klein, a veteran national correspondent, former National Press Club president and director of the Club's Centennial Forums program.

"The National Press Club is pleased to be reaching across the border in this time of turmoil in journalism," said Donna Leinwand, the Club's president. "We are looking for ideas on how robust news reporting can be maintained as technology and the economy undermine traditional support for the news business."

Tim Kane, vice president/treasurer of the National Press Club of Canada Foundation, said, "We are particularly pleased to welcome and include Gil Klein, representing our American counterpart. We look forward to a dynamic and constructive discussion on how existing relationships and new technologies can work together to push the boundaries of journalism."

This forum is part of a nationwide conversation the National Press Club is holding during its 100th anniversary to look at where the news business is going and what news consumers should be demanding. Summaries of past forums, clips of video highlights and a report on the project's findings are at www.press.org/juncture.