01 May 2009

Is Independent Journalism Possible?

May 5 global webchat with veteran journalist Deborah Potter

Responsible and independent media are pivotal to democracy all over the world. On May 5, at 9 a.m. EDT (13:00 GMT), to commemorate World Press Freedom Day, veteran reporter Deborah Potter will discuss how journalists across the world can practice independent journalism in light of new technology and new global challenges. She will focus on journalists' responsibilities and what makes a good reporter.

Deborah Potter is a veteran journalism trainer, reporter and writer, as well as the executive director of NewsLab, an online resource center for television and radio newsrooms that focuses on improving journalism. She is also a contributing correspondent to Religion & Ethics Newsweekly on PBS and a columnist for American Journalism Review. Before NewsLab, Potter spent 16 years as a network correspondent for CBS and CNN. She is also the author of the State Department's Handbook of Independent Journalism.

If you would like to participate in this global webchat, please go to http://statedept.connectsolutions.com/journalism/. No registration is needed. Simply choose "Enter as a Guest," type in your preferred screen name and join the discussion. We accept questions and comments in advance of, and at any time during, the program.

The transcript of this webchat will be available on America.gov’s webchat page, where information about upcoming webchats is also available.