Journalistic efforts have never been more important. Those journalists committed to going beyond the sound bite and the official word can shed light on our society like no one else. But in this age of shrinking media giants, growing niche outlets, and news-breaking bloggers, where should consumers turn to get their news? A panel of prominent local journalists shares their opinions and experiences on what is involved in reporting a major news story, and the pros and cons of news organizations large and small.

This program was held in conjunction with Remy Bumppo’s production of Night and Day, a satire of British news media by Tom Stoppard. Set in a fictional African country that feels like a 1950s Hollywood romantic adventure, competing British war correspondents descend on the household of an expatriate and his wife, attempting to crack open a story on the country’s erupting civil war. Stoppard, with his usual comic seriousness, both attacks the triviality of the free press for exposing the personal lives of public figures to sell papers and elevates its importance in uncovering political truth.

PANELISTS:

Ramsin Canon, political editor, Gaper’s BlockAlden K. Loury, publisher of the Chicago ReporterTimothy J. McNulty, professor of journalism, Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University Mary A. Mitchell, columnist, Chicago Sun-TimesRichard Steele, host and correspondent, WBEZ Chicago Public MediaPlease note: due to technical difficulties during the event, there is a some periodic static noise during the first several minutes of this recording.