A panel discussion on how, and why, local communications professionals created a grassroots, all-volunteer community news site
There is no more debate: The landscape of journalism has been permanently altered. Newsrooms have downsized, perceptions of the news media are at an all-time low and citizen journalists have more impact on shaping news than ever before.
A group of Reno-area communications professionals collaborated in 2009 not only to create an outlet for their own creative endeavors but also to address increased shortcomings in news coverage. The result was ‘This Is Reno,’ www.thisisreno.com, a PR-friendly news website that helps promote local news by posting minimally edited news releases, original commentary, art and video.
This luncheon features This Is Reno volunteers and will cover what they have learned in the past year as This Is Reno has grown, how such a site can help redefine “news” (and even influence how news is covered by other media ) and how to contribute news on behalf of your clients or organization.
The panelists are:
Laurel Busch
Laurel Busch came to Reno in the 1970s to go to college and never left. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Nevada, Reno. Besides working as a copy editor for a regional environmental firm, she shares genealogy and gardening information on her websites and writes a gardening blog. Why is she involved with This Is Reno? “I’ve been frustrated by gatekeepers in traditional media, and I like the way This Is Reno welcomes all news from all sources. I also think it’s exciting to take advantage of technology to do things old media can’t do.”
Bob Conrad
Bob Conrad is a public information officer for the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and was previously a director of marketing communications at the University of Nevada. He has a bachelor’s degree in journalism, is accredited in public relations (APR) and is a doctoral candidate at the University of Nevada, Reno. He blogs about public relations and the news at thegoodthebadthespin.com.
Ryan Jerz
Ryan Jerz is into all kinds of stuff. He works as the director of electronic media for the University of Nevada’s athletics department. He maintains and manages nevadawolfpack.com, runs in-game video operations, and produces multimedia content for the website and television. Ryan received a master’s degree from the University of Nevada, Reno in interactive journalism, where he worked on using interactive online technology to engage the public. He has also been blogging and podcasting for over seven years.
Teresa Moiola
Teresa is the director of marketing and public information for the Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs. She holds a bachelors degree in Journalism with a focus in Public Relations from the University of Nevada Reno and is currently working on her Certified Public Manager (CPM) designation. She writes the weight loss surgery blog, Beyond Bariatric and prepares the calendar of events for Edible Reno-Tahoe Magazine.
Jim Scripps
Jim Scripps is director of marketing for the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, a non-profit organization that serves 9,000 children annually at 13 sites in northern Nevada. Previously he worked in social media marketing at the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, and as a community newspaper reporter, editor and columnist, as well as editor for an online news organization. He is a Reno resident, San Francisco Bay Area native and graduate of the University of Oregon, with degrees in journalism and history.
What:
‘This Is Reno’ panel discussion and luncheon
Who:
Sierra Nevada Chapter members, guests and friends. You do not have to be a member to attend these events. Please bring a friend or a guest. The Chapter welcomes anyone with an interest in public relations.
When:
Atlantis Casino Resort
Cost:
PRSA members $20; Non-members $30; Students $15.
RSVP:
Registration closes at 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 25.
Register Today – http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=varmcwbab&oeidk=a07e31l4z3tb6323109
*RSVPs and cancellations must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 25. The Sierra Nevada chapter will bill RSVP no-shows.
Members: $20 Non-member: $30 Students: $15 (with valid ID)
To join us: Call Jenny Petty at 775-223-9269, or email [email protected]
