What is the future for regional journalism in Ireland?

The NUJ’s 2012 Regional Forum is taking place in Galway this month and will address the challenges facing local journalism and the regional pension scheme. It takes place in the Clayton Hotel, Ballybrit, Galway, on Saturday 21 April. Reserve a place before Thursday 19 April.

There will also be a training module in the afternoon on the best use of Freedom of Information legislation by journalists.

The morning’s proceeding will be a round table forum on the future of regional journalism in Ireland. It will be split into three parts and be moderated by Galway-based journalist, Bernie Ní Fhlatharta, a representative for Regional Newspapers on the IEC. Contributions will be invited from the floor at each session.

The opening session will deal with the current state of the regional media and ask what it is like to work as a local journalist today. Conor McHugh, a Regional Newspaper representative on the IEC and a reporter with the Leinster Leader, and Dara Bradley, a reporter with the Connacht Tribune will share their experiences of regional journalism.

In the second session, NUJ Vice President Barry McCall will outline how he believes regional media will develop in the coming years and point out what the NUJ needs to do to represent its members in the regions.

Session three will deal with the current state of the regional pension scheme and a report on this will be delivered by Irish Organiser Nicola Coleman.

In the afternoon, Gavin Sheridan, Innovation Director at Storyful and a blogger at thestory.ie, will explain the best way for journalists to make use of Freedom of Information legislation and documentation acquired under it.

Spaces for the Regional Forum are limited and attendance is free for NUJ members. There is a €20 fee for non-members.

Registration form (link to DOCX) available here. Please return it to info@nuj.ie.