Chicago Forum to Target Accuracy in Journalism

Columbia, Mo. (Sept. 14, 2004) -- A group of journalists and media-watchers will discuss "Accuracy: What It Is and Who Decides" at a seminar hosted by the Missouri School of Journalism. The event will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 22, at the Metropolitan Club in Chicago (67th floor, Sears Tower, 233 South Wacker Drive) with a reception from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and the discussion from 6:30-8 p.m.

"There is no topic more important to journalism in democratic societies than that of serving as a credible, balanced and fair source of information," said Dean Mills, dean and professor of the Missouri School of Journalism.

Sallie L. Gaines BJ '73 Dean Mills Convergence Journalism Dean Esther Thorson Strategic Communication Faculty

Panelists representing a variety of perspectives will identify their areas of concerns and present questions for group discussion. Sallie Gaines, senior vice president for Hill and Knowlton, Chicago, will introduce the panel, and Mills will serve as moderator. The panelists are:

• Linda Eatherton, executive vice president and director of the Global Food and Nutrition Practice, Ketchum public relations, Chicago
• Matt Metrik, a 20-something Chicagoan who gets his news online and through alternative media outlets
• Dean Mills, professor and dean at the Missouri School of Journalism and former Moscow bureau chief of the Baltimore Sun
• Mary Mitchell, columnist, Chicago Sun Times
• Esther Thorson, associate dean for graduate studies and research, Missouri School of Journalism
• Don Wycliff, public editor and former editorial board editor, Chicago Tribune; formerly of the The New York Times

The event is part of a series of conversations about Journalism in the 21st Century that the school is hosting around the world.