Commission of Inquiry into the Future of Civil Society in the UK and Ireland
Solutions to the Crisis in News Media and Representative Democracy - 18 August
As part of the Festival of Politics 2010, we are hosting an event looking at how news media can be enhanced so that it can better support democracy in Scotland and the UK as a whole.
More information about the event can be found below.
Solutions to the Crisis in News Media and Representative Democracy; the Importance of Civil Society Activity
13.30 - 15.00, The Scottish Parliament (FREE)
A thriving democracy and civil society has always been dependent on strong and free news media that is truthful, accurate and rigorous. The demise of traditional news media coupled with the lack of trust in representative democracy present major challenges to politics and to citizen engagement.
This session will explore what can be done by civil society groups (including voluntary and community organisations, faith-based organisations, trade unions and co-operatives) to grow a more pluralistic news media in the interest of enriching democracy and strengthening civil society. Panelists include:
- Tamara Witschge, Cardiff University;
- Blair Jenkins, former Chair of the Scottish Broadcasting Commission;
- Iain Macwhirter, political columnist, the Sunday Herald.
The event will be chaired by Seamus McAleavey, Inquiry Commissioner and Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action.
There will be an opportunity for questions from the floor and all event guests will receive a hard copy of the Commission report, 'Making Good Society'.
To book online visit the Festival of Politics website.
