Join us for an afternoon of insight, dialogue and collaboration focused on the state of local journalism and its effects on Michiganders
This event will take place on July 22, 2025 at the Detroit Athletic Club.
3 p.m.: Welcome
Remarks from local and state officials. Speakers: Catherine Badalamente, CEO, Graham Media Group and Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber.
Framing the Crisis
Michigan has been among the hardest hit by the loss of local news outlets and journalists. Nearly half of Michigan’s counties and more than 1 million residents have limited access to local news. This session explores the impact on communities and what can be done to reverse the trend. Presenters: Catherine Badalamente, CEO, Graham Media Group; Tanisha Leonard, President, Pitch Black.
The State of Local News in Michigan
Two leading journalism scholars share fresh insights into the challenges, trends, and opportunities facing Michigan’s local news landscape today, including data from Medill’s annual The State of Local News Report. Presenters: Tim Franklin, Senior Associate Dean, Medill School, Northwestern University; Tim Vos, Professor and Director of Michigan State University School of Journalism.
CEOs: Impact of the Crisis on Michigan Communities
Local media CEOs will discuss the impact of this crisis on communities throughout the state and the urgent need for solutions that will build stronger, more connected communities.
Moderated by Chuck Todd, Political Journalist, Moderator of Meet the Press from 2014-2023. Panelists: Catherine Badalamente, CEO, Graham Media Group; Hiram Jackson, CEO, Real Times Media; Nicole Avery Nichols, Executive Editor, Detroit Free Press; Wendy Turner, Executive Director, Michigan Public.
Philanthropic Community Steps Up
Funders are responding to the local news crisis with bold investments to rebuild and sustain community journalism. Presenters: Duc Luu, Director of Sustainability Initiatives/Journalism, Knight Foundation, Knight Foundation, LaTrice McClendon, Knight Foundation, Program Director/Detroit and Melissa Milios Davis, Network Manager, PressForward.
Public Policy Drives Results
This session explores how smart, bipartisan public policies around the country are helping to revitalize local journalism—without compromising editorial independence. Presenter: Steve Waldman, Founder and President, Rebuild Local News.
From Crisis to Action: Next Steps for Reviving Local Journalism
Moderators: Catherine Badalamente, CEO, Graham Media Group; Tanisha Leonard, President, Pitch Black.
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.: Happy Hour and Networking
Join us afterward for refreshments and continued conversation.
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