Contact:
Beth King, Communications Manager, (317) 927-8000, ext. 211

INDIANAPOLIS – Declining newspaper readership, blogs, citizen journalism, the seismic shift to online news and other trends are taking the news business by storm. While this major shift is overtaking many newsrooms across the country, questions about traditional journalism’s relevance are being asked by many.

Responding to these trends and other developing challenges, Washington Post Executive Editor Leonard Downie will take part in a conversation during the 2007 SPJ Convention & National Journalism Conference at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. The session will take place at 9:45 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 6, in the Ticonderoga room.

During the program, titled “The Road Ahead: A Conversation with Leonard Downie,” The Post editor will discuss how his newsroom has addressed the ever-changing state of journalism and what he sees on the horizon.

“The Washington Post is one of the world’s greatest newspapers, and its impact on the history of this country and on journalism is indisputable,” SPJ National President-Elect Clint Brewer said. “Journalism and media are changing almost daily, and hearing from Leonard Downie about how his newspaper is adapting in this new environment is a conversation that will hold lessons for all journalists.”

To obtain a media credential for this event, please contact SPJ Communications Manager Beth King at (317) 927-8000, ext. 211. For more information about the 2007 SPJ National Convention & Journalism Conference — including a full convention schedule — or to register, visit SPJ's Web site.

Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well informed citizenry; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. For more information about SPJ, visit www.spj.org.

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