I’m at the Future of Civic Media conference at MIT. (you can follow me on twitter).
I’m absolutely stoked and will try to get some good video for postings next week.
Right now, listening to Alberto Ibarguen talk about the Knight News Challenge. Yes, I’m a winner – but no, I have no obligation to push the Knight Challenge. So, take this for what it is – a reminder to check out the Knight News Challenge. Dream up your craziest idea, and pitch it.
I’m even happy talking with you about your idea and you can rest assured that I won’t steal it, since I already have my hands full with Spot.Us.
The point is: Journalism is in need of some serious research and development. It’s a shame (and ironic) that the newspaper industry, which can be interpreted as daily research and development, has dropped the ball. But journalism today is stronger than ever before. It’s the industry that is weak. So the question becomes: How can we ensure that the practices and principles that have developed around this industry can survive and become sustainable in a digital future. That takes research and development – and as I understand it, that’s what the Knight Foundation is trying to support.
More from Alberto: "We are always looking for better, new and different ideas…. maybe there is an unexpected road we can walk down together."
Update: The conversation going on between Lisa Williams, Jay Rosen, Henry Jenkins and Dan Gillmor is amazing!! I can’t tweet it fast enough. I highly recommend following: Mark Glaser, J.D. Lasica, Ryan Sholin, Amy Gahran, Margaret Rosas, – what can I say, the audience itself is filled with all-stars. What the hell am I doing here?