Back to Good Thinking

---

Is eyewitness news, news? Tuesday 14th February

The post mass-media age is here. Stories come from anywhere, at any time and from any source. But with anyone able to frame the message, how do we put news into perspective? How, as organisations, can we manage our communications?  And can social media really change the world?

In partnership with Mynewsdesk, this panel debate will explore these and other questions, such as:

• Is this really having the profound effects on society that pundits suggest?
• Now that we can access stories from around the globe, what is the impact on our world view?
• The people formally known as the audience are involved in compiling, sharing, filtering, discussing and distributing news. But does that improve our understanding?
• Do we still need the professional journalist or can the citizen alone hold governments and big business to account?
• How is journalism changing as it is forced to accommodate content from-and interaction with-its audience?
• What is the impact on the role of the communications professional?
• How can charities and NGOs best capitalise on this publishing freedom, and be heard above the noise?

Our panel will be:

• Adam Baker, Founder, Blottr, @adamblottr
• Stephen Sidlo, Head Publisher, Demotix, @stephensidlo
• Jason Mills, Web and Technology Editor, ITV News, @jasonmillsitv
• Fergus Bell,  Digital Newsgatherer and Senior Producer, The Associated Press, @fergb
• Lauren Wyper, Communications Strategist, The Good Agency, @thegoodagency

Things will be chaired by our Head of Digital, Charlotte Beckett , and in true Question Time style, we’ll be throwing the debate out to everyone. Is the rise of citizen journalism the end of the professional hack? Does social media do away with the need for press releases? Is eyewitness news a hinder to the real story? Whatever you opinions and questions, we want them. Just drop your thoughts into the comments box below or share them on Twitter with #smwgood.

Our event partner is Mynewsdesk, which provides social media newsrooms, backed with robust analytics and an online news exchange. Like many an innovation (Skype, IKEA, Abba) Mynewsdesk originated in the land of cinnamon rolls, and the UK team are delighted to share their smorgasbord of Swedish treats as our breakfast. Everyone attending the session will receive a free 3 month trial of Mynewsdesk, along with a strategy session with both Mynewsdesk and The Good Agency to help you maximise that trial. Book your complimentary place now.

More about our panel:

Adam Baker, Founder, Blottr

Blottr is a citizen journalism news service that enables anyone to capture, report, collaborate and discover news happening around them. It is the fastest growing news service in the UK and is currently operational in the UK, France and Germany, all in local languages. Blottr is game changing the way news is gathered and reported. Prior to founding Blottr in August 2010, Adam had a strong track record in launching, building and growing successful online companies. His focus is always on creating disruptive business models that harness the power of mobile technology and the web.

Stephen Sidlo, Head Publisher, Demotix

A graduate in Photojournalism Stephen is a humanitarian photojournalist with an interest in social, political and environmental issues (and Gonzo style journalism). His primary focus is on documenting areas of front line conflict, NGO work, economics and social advocacy using this to influence social and foreign policy. With a passion for empowering people to have a voice, Stephen is Head Publisher at Demotix, the award-winning newswire where citizens tell the stories. Demotix publishes photos and video from ordinary people and freelance photographers into the international news media.

Jason Mills, Web and Technology Editor, ITV News

A highly experienced news professional, Jason is currently responsible for the development of the ITV News website for ITN. He is currently on a mission to turn itv.com/news into a leading provider of news and analysis. He was previously the programme editor of the News at Ten and Evening News at ITV for 7 years. Jason started his professional journalism career working with the BBC and Sky. He’s an expert in television news editorial and production, digital integration and TV/online/mobile convergence.

Fergus Bell, Digital Newsgatherer and Senior Producer, The Associated Press

Fergus leades the Associated Press social media and newsgathering operation in London. He is responible for finding User Generated Content (UGC) when a story breaks so the the AP may acquire, verify and then publish that content across its formats. Most recently he has used social media for the AP’s newsgathering operations for the events of the Arab Spring, the shootings in Norway and the Japanese earthquake. He also trains and advises AP staff globally in the key area of UGC acquisition and social monitoring during news events.

Lauren Wyper, Communications Strategist, The Good Agency

As an integrated communications manager at The Good Agency, Lauren has over 4 years of consumer engagement experience and has worked across a number of high profile consumer awareness campaigns for various not-for-profit clients. Finding ways to positively engage audiences using traditional and new media is an area of passion for Lauren – she has the distinction of having conceived the idea for an innovative and award-winning pop-up store for a client. Lauren also has specialist experience within the sustainability arena and has worked on a number of high profile projects including the American Hardwood Export Council to promote their interests and the Forest Footprint Disclosure Project.

Campaigning | Charity | Digital and social media | Events | PR | Public sector