The Future of Independent Media Summit
Schedule
Fri, 03 Oct, 2025 at 06:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
Carleton University | Ottawa, ON
About this Event
In partnership with Carleton University's School of Journalism and Communications, Press Forward invites you to a summit on the future of independent media.
On October 3rd, we kick things off with a live podcast taping of Ricochet Media's flagship podcast, In Bed With The Elephant, a groundbreaking new podcast — a fearless interview show that dives deep into the most pressing issues shaping Canada today with honesty, empathy, and unflinching curiosity.
On October 4th, we tackle the big issues affecting independent news publishers: AI in and for the newsroom, how to develop fruitful collaborations and partnerships, the public policy landscape for journalism, and more.
On October 5th, Press Forward members are invited to a members-only session.
Agenda
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:10 AM
Chair's Welcome
Host: Jeanette Ageson | Publisher · The Tyee
🕑: 09:10 AM - 09:20 AM
Opening Remarks
Host: Allan Thompson | Co-Director · CU J-School
🕑: 09:20 AM - 10:10 AM
AI in and for the newsroom
Host: Elisha Dacey | Managing Editor · Future of Good
🕑: 10:10 AM - 10:20 AM
⚡Lightning Talk⚡
Host: Geoff Sharpe | Founder, managing editor · Lookout Media
🕑: 10:20 AM - 11:10 AM
Partnerships, Collaboration and Community
Host: Arik Ligeti | Director of Audience · The Narwhal
🕑: 11:20 AM - 12:00 PM
The New Funding Environment
Host: Jan Frolic | Partnerships Director · West End Phoenix
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:10 PM
⚡Lightning Talk⚡
Host: Will Pearson | Co-founder · Peterborough Currents
Info: How and why we built a city council vote tracker
🕑: 12:10 PM - 12:30 PM
Gallery Walk, Part One
Host: Vicky Mochama | Director, Communications · Press Forward
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
~LUNCH~
Info: Lunch will be provided, courtesy of the Canadian Journalism Foundation. [For any allergies or dietary restrictions, please contact [email protected].]
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Gallery Walk, Part Two
Host: Vicky Mochama | Director, Communications · Press Forward
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:10 PM
⚡Lightning Talk⚡
Host: Adam Reaburn | Founder · EnergeticCity.ca
🕑: 02:10 PM - 03:00 PM
Public Policy and the Independent Press
Host: Tai Huynh | Editor-in-chief & Publisher · The Local
🕑: 03:10 PM - 04:00 PM
News Influencers and Platforms
Host: Jeanette Ageson | Publisher · The Tyee
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:50 PM
What is a Good Journalism Job, Anyways?
Host: Ethan Cox | Editor and co-founder · Ricochet
🕑: 04:50 PM - 05:00 PM
Closing
Host: Brent Jolly | President · CAJ
Where is it happening?
Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, CanadaEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 33.28 to CAD 107.83
