WHYY hosts its first civic news conference May 3-4

The free event will be run by WHYY News and Bridging Blocks, a partnership between WHYY and the Free Library of Philadelphia that aims to bring diverse households together to discuss relevant issues. Bridging Blocks is made possible thanks to the generous support from Fred and Barbara Sutherland.

Registration is required to attend the Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4 events, both held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at WHYY’s Philadelphia office (150 N. 6th St.).

On Friday, the program will focus on journalism models with the discussions centered on journalism best practices. On Saturday, engaged journalism demonstrations, practitioners and community members will be featured. Learn more about the agenda below.

Friday, May 3

The conference will explore these panel topics:

• Local news innovation: what does it look like and funding ideas
• Exploring community and engaged journalism models
• Structuring community partnerships
• Journalism ethics: The growing fine line between activism and journalism
• Crowdsourcing engaged journalism best practices
• Group photo at Liberty Bell
• Lunch provided
• Free networking dinners (sign up is first come, first serve)

Saturday, May 4

• Bridging Blocks exercise on facilitating divisive conversations
• Learn how to host your own civic dialogue discussions
• Pitching 101: Telling your story and acquiring news coverage
• How to break down silos and engage in better civics
• Who is doing civic news?
• Lunch provided
• Free networking mixer