The Reynolds School of Journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno is hosting a free “Local News Matters” panel on Tuesday, Oct. 19 — the first official “Local Journalism Day” in Nevada, proclaimed by Gov. Steve Sisolak this year. The free event will be held in-person at 6 p.m. at the Nevada Museum of Art in Downtown Reno (seating is limited) and virtually. Go here to RSVP via EventBrite. According to a Sept. 27 press release from UNR, the number of journalists employed in Nevada has dropped significantly over the past two decades.
“Widespread downsizing and, in some cases, loss of local news organizations in Nevada has diminished access to information that previously helped sustain healthy community connections,” per the release.
During the event, Reynolds School alumnus Larry Ryckman, editor of The Colorado Sun, “will provide an overview of the crisis in local news across the country, as well as the ways in which some states are working to support and expand diverse sources of local news,” according to the release.
Ryckman will then moderate a panel of local journalists: anchor and reporter at KTVN News, Arianna Bennett; news director at KUNR Public Radio, Michelle Billman; publisher and editor of This is Reno, Bob Conrad; executive editor of the Reno Gazette Journal, Brian Duggan; and reporter at The Nevada Independent, Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez.
Following the formal program, audience members will meet with local journalism organizations during a trade show reception.