Event: What is Going On? The State of Local News

In partnership with the Centre for Investigative Journalism, Star & Crescent presents an evening of discussion and debate exploring the current state and importance of news media in Portsmouth, and it’s FREE.

5th March 2018, 7-9pm, Hunter Gatherer, Elm Grove, Southsea.

We’re hosting a panel event to discuss the state of local news and share our new training course for local residents, #ReclaimTheNews. Expect an evening of lively debate and discussion, music and socialising with the S&C team.

The evening will kick off with three speakers briefly looking at different elements of local news and why it matters.

S&C Editor in Chief, Sarah Cheverton, will talk about the challenges facing local news companies across the UK and how a growing number of independent, not for profit news organisations like S&C are trying to address it.

University of Portsmouth lecturer, Sophia Wood, will talk about why local news is important, the flaws and limitations of mainstream coverage and the impact that quality, investigative journalism can have on communities.

Portsmouth resident and founder of Keep Milton Green, Kimberly Barrett will talk about her experience of working with S&C to spread the word about how property developers are avoiding their duty to provide affordable housing in her area.

After the speakers, we’ll invite the audience to take part in a lively discussion with the panel about the state of local news in Portsmouth, chaired by S&C co-founder and editor, Tom Sykes. Tom will invite audience members to respond to our speakers and to share your views on local news, including what stories you think are missing from the local media.

Finally, Sarah Cheverton will introduce our new local journalism training course coming up in April from Star & Crescent, working in partnership with the Centre for Investigative Journalism, and explain how local people can take part.

The evening will end with live music from Dani Uziel, and audience members are invited to stick around, meet the S&C team and get involved with a growing local movement to #ReclaimTheNews. Check out Dani’s music on SoundCloud below, and if you like this, you’ll love her new single, November – check it out on Facebook.

So if you’re looking for a night of fun and lively debate, save the date and we’ll see you there!

Image by Emily Priest.