South Macon Library to host local journalism talk

MACON — The South Macon Public Library will host a special presentation on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. The presentation will feature photojournalist and Southern Illinois University journalism professor Julia Rendleman

The free program will explore the current state of local journalism, the challenges facing local news organizations, and why strong local journalism is essential to communities and a health democracy.

Rendleman is an enthusiastic spokesperson for local journalism and will examine the power and value of local news. This comes particularly during a time when communities across the country are experiencing changes in how news is produced, delivered, and accessed.

During the presentation, Rendleman will highlight important local journalism coverage and recent successes in communities. She will also discuss some of the current threats facing local news. She will encourage community members to consider the important role local journalism plays in keeping residents informed and connected.

“The health of local journalism is closely connected to the health of our communities,” said Vicki Carr, director of the South Macon Public Library. “We wanted to bring this program to our community because local newspapers and journalists play such an important role in documenting our history, sharing information, and helping residents understanding what is happening around them.”

Rendleman is the third of three Illinois Humanities Road Scholars speakers to visit the library this year.

The program is a presentation through the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau. The Bureau brings speakers to communities throughout Illinois for free public programs. Program topics vary, including literature, philosophy, theater, local history, film, music, politics, and more. The program helps nonprofit organizations provide engaging cultural and educational programming to their communities at no cost.

For more information on the presentation, visit southmaconlibrary.org, contact Carr at [email protected], or call (217) 764-3356.

Jake Leonard, Executive Editor-In-Chief

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Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.

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