Journalism in 10: Nick Penniman on the Future of Media

It is no secret that American media is in turmoil, with many longstanding fixtures in print journalism either folding or forced to layoff staff. Each week through the end of 2009, a different media insider will offer their perspective on what media will look like in 5, 10, or 15 years--and what will become of investigative journalism. The series includes commentary from John Nichols, Dan Rather, Jane Mayer, Victor Navasky, Ana Marie Cox, David Schimke and Nick Penniman.

This week, Nick Penniman, executive director of the Huffington Post Investigative Fund and the founder and director of The American News Project, speaks at the 2009 Nation/Campus Progress Student Journalism Conference about the impending chaotic media landscape. Penniman predicts that in ten years major media outlets won't dominate the conversation and instead smaller, independent outlets will have more of a voice. Unfortunately, this positive step will be matched with an even greater influx of gossipy, fluff content as opposed to in-depth, thoughtful reporting.

To share your opinion on what the future of the media might be, write a letter to the editor marked "Future of Journalism." We'll gather the best responses and publish them at the beginning of 2010.

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--Alana Levinson

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