The journalism industry may be in trouble, but here in San Diego, at least four new media outlets started up in the last 12 months, targeting audiences in specific geographic areas and with specific interests.  Is niche media the wave of the future?

Join the SPJ San Diego Pro Chapter and the San Diego State University Student Chapter on Wednesday, Oct. 14 for a program taking a look at this trend, “The Upstarts: Will San Diego’s niche media be the new face of local journalism?”

SDSU Assistant Professor Amy Schmitz Weiss, who teaches in the School of Journalism and Media Studies, will moderate the discussion with panelists:

 Ron James, editor in chief of San Diego Uptown News

Miriam Raftery, editor of East County Magazine

Jack Crittenden, editor in chief of OurCity San Diego

William Yelles, managing editor of San Diego News Network

Get in on the conversation as we discuss whether the new outlets will compete with or complement the older, established local media; whether the new outlets satisfy niche needs that weren’t being served, or just contribute to media saturation; whether niche media eventually will supplant general-interest media, and whether that would be a good or a bad thing; whether there is potential for still more niche media in San Diego; what opportunities the new outlets present for laid-off journalists and new graduates; and more.

When:   Wednesday, Oct. 14, 6:30 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. program

Where:  SDSU, Arts & Letters Building, Room 101

Cost:     Free

Directions:  Take 8-East to the Mission Gorge/Fairmount Exit.  Exit onto Fairmount Road.  Turn left on 55th St. and follow it until you get to Aztec Circle Drive.  Turn right on Aztec Circle Drive.  Enter into Parking Structure 4 or the W Lot, on your left.  The parking structure has a ramp and pedestrian bridge on Level 4 that crosses Aztec Circle Drive.  For a campus map, see https://sunspot.sdsu.edu/map//SDSU_MAP.pdf.