A public forum titled “The Future of Professional Journalism and Public Broadcasting” will take place at the UPEI Performing Arts Centre Amphitheatre (121S) on Wednesday, February 5, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. 

The forum will be led by award-winning journalists Ian Petrie, former national and regional reporter for CBC; Paul MacNeill, publisher of "The Eastern Graphic" and a champion of local news media; Teresa Wright, freelance journalist covering politics and policy; Sally Pitt, journalist and instructor at Holland College; Rick MacLean, journalist and UPEI instructor; and Rafael Barliardo, journalist on culture and politics in Brazil.  

Participants will explore the following topics:

• Why are many professional journalism organizations losing audience, and in some cases, trust?
• What does this decline in audience and trust mean for democracy, and keeping those in power accountable? 
• What do younger generations think about the conventional news media?  
• What can be done to preserve the integrity, expand the reach, and ensure the economic viability of professional journalism into the future?  

This free event is sponsored by the UPEI journalism program, the UPEI Faculty of Arts, and the UPEI Office of the Vice-President Research and Academic. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.