Free Press forum aims to unite community and media
Public invited to 6 to 8:30 p.m. March 23 discussion at Asbury Park High School
Asbury Park: The Whole Story is an open public forum planned for 6 to 8:30 p.m. March 23 at the Asbury Park High School on Sunset Avenue.
The event is organized by the Free Press, an independent network that works to preserve a free and open Internet, curb runaway media consolidation, protect press freedoms, and ensure diverse voices are represented in reporting.
The forum aims to unite the community with area journalists during discussions of what’s at issue in the 1.4 square mile city. Organizers are asking residents to join local activists, journalists, and member of the business community in the open discussion.
A part of the organizations, News Voices: New Jersey series, the event is similar to those held in New Brunswick and Atlantic City.
“With New Jersey positioned between New York and Philly, the role of local journalism has always been important,” said Series Director Michael Rispoli. “Since the media landscape is shifting we think the best way to strengthen media coverage is to bring everyone together.”
The Free Press has 900,000 members nationwide, and close to 20,000 in New Jersey. An August 2015 survey of its state members asked which subjects local news outlets could do a better job of covering.
Local government coverage topped the list, followed by environment and planning, state government, education, local school coverage, and then economic development.
“We’re hoping to get a well-balanced representation of the community,” Rispoli said. “You don’t have to be a part of an organization or business; if you are a mother who is concerned about her child’s education; if you are someone who moved here two weeks ago or have lived here for two decades, all those perspectives are important.”
For more information, visit their webpage, and to register, visit bit.ly/NewsVoicesAsburyPark.
[Feature photo of New Brunswick event courtesy of Brad Resnick Photography]
———————————————————-
Follow the Asbury Park Sun on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.
