A 'Regional Jolt' For The New Media

"Quality media coverage of the critical issues impacting America's great metro regions is in some peril. On the one hand, major newspapers (now dubbed 'legacy media') are losing readers and circulation. Yet the much-heralded 'new media' seems preoccupied with individuals' personal opinions and ultra-local issues."

"We firmly believe that a critical chunk of decisions in today's world will be made at the metropolitan (we say "citistate") level. Regions are the critical action arenas of the 21st century -- the organic economies, natural watersheds, media catch basins, commute-sheds, workforce and education networks of our time. Regions are the platform that empower communities to achieve sustainability.

Now we're seeing the emergence of the "new media" which seems to focus heavily on individuals, their opinions, and a brand of neighborhood-oriented, often hyper-local journalism. Which raises the problem -- reporting on developments of regionwide issues doesn't seem to be on anyone's radar screen! How can quality, informed journalism about metro-region wide trends, developments, perils, opportunities, gain significant audiences in this new media era? How can we go beyond legacy media to use of new media, more citizen voice and participation in regional debates?"