MAJS Forum
Exploring the Future of Journalism: MAJS Forum 2024
By Abby Feldman ‘24
The Media, Arts & a Just Society initiative held its inaugural forum on April 10. With a diverse lineup of speakers and panelists, Truth, or Consequences: A Forum on the Future of, and Imperative for Journalism, dived into crucial issues facing the journalism landscape today. The event began with opening remarks by the faculty director of MAJS, Evelyn McDonnell. Notably, the event coincided with the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, prompting a brief but enlightening explanation of the holiday and prayer by theology professor Amir Hussain.
According to McGowan, 56% of Americans don’t trust mainstream media, and the information divide is growing, causing issues like news avoidance and low trust in news. McGowan believes that “good information is the lifeblood of democracy” and left the audience with five things to consider: knowing your audience and going where they are, earning their trust, pursuing sustainability over profit, defining success and measuring your impact, and challenging conventional wisdom.
Carol Costello, a former CNN anchor and special advisor and ambassador at LMU, introduced the five journalists and moderator for the event’s panel. The five journalists consisted of Marie Hardin, the dean of the Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State’ Tricia Romano – author of the Village Voice history “The Freaks Came Out to Write”; Shana Naomi Krochmal, VP of Podcasting at Laist; Jean Guerrero, former KPBS and Los Angeles Times reporter, and Emma Fox, an LMU journalism alumna. LMU Communication Studies professor Christopher Finlay moderated.
Each panelist introduced themselves and explained what they do for work and their path to where they are now. Finlay, the moderator, began the conversation by asking Fox, a member of Gen Z, what she thinks about young adults’ approach to journalism. “Our generation tries to see both sides when writing about anything controversial. We are very vocal about the world’s impurities and want to change that,” Fox stated. The other panelists nodded, agreeing that Gen Z has strong voices and opinions.
A big topic throughout the panel was news literacy and building relationships with the surrounding community. Krochmal emphasized the need to amplify marginalized voices within communities, highlighting the role of journalism in fostering inclusivity and representation.
Finlay asked the audience for questions. A journalism student asked about burnout and how to avoid getting restless over the mundanity a journalist might face. “Journalism will not be boring if it is something you are passionate about,” said Krochmal “This is an industry where you must be passionate about your work, or you are in the wrong industry.”
The panel was followed by a reception with drinks and food. “It was amazing to see the variety of journalists on the panel and hear their different stories of working in the industry,”” said Journalism professor Laila Muhammad at the reception.
MAJS’s forum on the Future of and Imperative for Journalism provided valuable insights into the field’s challenges and opportunities. From McGowan’s keynote address to the engaging panel discussion, the event emphasized journalism’s vital role in shaping informed and equitable societies. As the media landscape continues to evolve, forums like these serve as essential platforms for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in journalism.
