In the era of Donald Trump, American journalism finds itself under attack as never before in modern times. Routinely assailed by the president and his surrogates as “fake news,” “enemies of the American people,” and even singled out by name for harsh personal criticism, journalists are responding in myriad ways. These range from aggressive investigative reporting and a more confrontational stance to outspoken criticism in social media and even signing petitions and joining demonstrations.

Can reporters also be activists? Traditional journalism says no: a national SPJ Ethics Committee position paper says flatly that for journalists, “whether they’re covering politics or not — political activism should be avoided.” But many younger journalists, especially digital natives, argue that given the direct challenges to a free and independent press, activism is not only permissible, it’s essential.

WHAT: 

SPJ/LA's panel discussion: “I Ain’t Marching Anymore: Can Reporters Also Be Activists?”

WHO: 

The panel moderated by writer/columnist and SPJ/LA board member Joel Bellman will include:

CARLA HALL, editorial writer, Los Angeles Times

MARC COOPER, journalist, author, editor, journalism professor

EFENEL AZARCON-BARKER, digital show host/producer, KSCI/LA18

WHEN:

Thursday, June 22, 2017, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

WHERE:

The Association Bar

110 E. 6th Street

Downtown Los Angeles

COST:

Free and open to the public.

RSVP:

Please RSVP at spjlosangeles@gmail.com

PARKING:

Secure 24-hour parking available at 545 S. Main St., $4/20 min., $12/max.

CONTACT:

Joel Bellman, jbellman@ca.rr.com