"Tools for Democracy, Strategies for Change" is the theme of the Twin Cities Media Alliance's 4th Annual Fall Media Forum, to be held Saturday, October 4 at the downtown Minneapolis Public Library. Featured speakers include Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, on how citizens can use new media as tools for participation in electoral politics; Robyne Robinson on how to use mainstream media, and Amalia Anderson of the Main Street Project, on organizing for media reform and media justice. Afternoon workshop topics will include media justice and media reform; digital skills training, and a talking circle for journalists, participants and bystanders who witnessed the RNC protests.

This event is open to the public and free of charge, but donations are welcome. Online preregistration is now closed, but you may register onsite on the day of the forum.

October 4, 2008
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Minneapolis Downtown Public Library
4th & Nicollet

Schedule:

9:00 – 9:30 registration

9:30-10:00 Secretary of State Mark Ritchie: “Using the New Media as Tools of Democracy”

10:00-10:45 Fox 9 News Anchor Robyne Robinson: How to Use the Mainstream Media

10:45-11: 15 Break (networking opportunity).

11:15-11:45 Amalia Anderson, The Main Street Project: Media Reform and Media Justice: How to Get Involved

11:45-12:30 Multimedia presentation: Citizen Journalists and the RNC (The Uptake, TCDP, Minnesota Independent)

12:30-1:20 lunch break

1:30-2:30 workshops

A. Doty Board Room: I-Witness: a talking circle for journalists, participants and bystanders to share their experience of the RNC

B. Community Meeting Room: Amalia Anderson and Nancy Brown: Media Reform and Media Justice - How to Get Involved

C. Digital Skills tutorial

2:30-3:30 workshops repeat The Twin Cities Media Alliance (www.tcmediaalliance.org) is a non-profit 501c3 organization. Our mission is to bring together media professionals and engaged citizens to improve the quality, diversity and accountability of local media.