Lots of heavy hitters will gather at the Central Library Thursday evening for an impromptu chat about the state of the local paper. The main talking point is provocative indeed: Los Angeles without the Los Angeles Times? The event is already sold out, but stand-by tickets might be available. If recent events are any indication, the discussion is sure to *spirited.* Details below:
On Thursday, Aug. 14, the Aloud speaker series at the Central Library will host a special program on the state and future of the Los Angeles Times. Louise Steinman, who curates Aloud, said she put the discussion, "Los Angeles Without the Los Angeles Times?" together so that the community can discuss what the staff cutbacks and other changes at the Downtown Los Angeles-based publication mean beyond the physical paper itself. "What will this mean to our community and to a vigorous democracy when we don't have an adequate press response?" she asked. The 7 p.m. event will be moderated by Kit Rachlis, editor-in-chief of Los Angeles Magazine. Panelists include Geneva Overholser, director of the USC Annenberg School of Journalism; Robin Kramer, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's chief of staff; attorney George Kieffer; former Times Executive Editor Joel Sappell; and blogger Brady Westwater. David Lauter, an editor at the L.A. Times, will also participate. Although reservations for the event are booked, Steinman said some people who show up early may be able to get standby tickets. Others will be able to listen to an audio feed of the event. Later, the discussion will be broadcast on KCRW and it will be available as a podcast at aloudla.org.
LINK: [ALOUD Community Forum and Panel Discussion: Los Angeles Without the Los Angeles Times? ]
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