Press Release

Washington State University Takes a Glimpse Into the Future with Virtual Journalism

For the first time, a Specialized Reporting Institute will bring together leading technology executives and journalists at the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University on April 6, 2010.

This event is a partnership between Washington State University and the McCormick Foundation. There will be panels, presentations and workshops that will explore both commercial and citizen reporting in virtual worlds.

"We're excited to bring together many of the leaders in technology and journalism to discuss and explore this new media channel for storytelling,” WSU President Elson S. Floyd said. “These and other emerging forms of digital news distribution offer both promise and potential for our students and for the future of journalism."

There will be many events and presentations including Second Life founder Philip Rosedale and Club Penguin co-founder Lane Merrifeld. Some other presentations include ThinkBalm co-founder Erica Driver and CNN.com senior producer Lila King and many others.

"The McCormick Foundation is proud to partner with Brett Atwood and WSU's Edward R. Murrow College,” Clark Bell, director of the McCormick Foundation's Journalism Program said.” This event should certainly fulfill our expectations and serve as a valuable learning platform for the participating journalists."

The McCormick Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to strengthening our society and helps build a more active and engaged citizenry. It was established in 1955 upon the death of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, a longtime editor and published for the Chicago Tribune. The McCormick Foundation is one of the largest in the nation with $1.2 billion in assets.

For a complete schedule of events, visit the event Web site at: http://communication.wsu.edu/virtualjournalism.

Questions

What do the programs Second Life and Club Penguin do? A little more information?

Why is virtual journalism this year’s topic/event?

Why is the McCormick Foundation so interested in the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication?