National Press Club to Host Innovative Journalism Panel June 4 in Chicago

WASHINGTON, May 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Press Club, the
world's leading professional organization for journalists, is coming to
ChicagoJune 4 to present its centennial documentary and hold a discussion
among leading local journalists on the First Amendment, freedom of the press
and the future of journalism.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Columbia College's Film Row Cinema, 1104
S. Wabash Ave.

Speaking on the panel will be:

Cy Freidheim, publisher, Chicago Sun Times

Renee Ferguson, investigative reporter, NBC 5 News.

Bill Adee, associate managing editor for innovation, Chicago Tribune

Vivian Vahlberg, managing director, Northwestern University's Media Management
Center

The event will begin with the showing of "A Century of Headlines," which
follows the history of American journalism through the lens of one of its
leading institutions. Founded in 1908, the National Press Club has been a
gathering spot of newsmakers and journalists in the nation's capital.

"For a century, the Club has provided a neutral forum for national and
international leaders to talk to the world through the news media," said Club
President Sylvia Smith. "With this program, we encourage public discussion
about the core values and future of journalism."

The panel will be moderated by Gil Klein, a veteran national correspondent, a
past Club president and the author of the Club's centennial history, "Reliable
Sources: 100 Years at the National Press Club."

To reserve a seat, call toll-free 1-866-514-7570. Cost is $10 for adults.
Students are admitted without charge.

Each of the events will be videotaped and posted to the Club's web site,
www.press.org.

The Club has partnered with the World Affairs Councils of America
(www.worldaffairscouncils.org) and its 89 chapters nationwide as well as with
journalism schools at leading colleges and universities to present these
events across the country through the end of the year.

This program is underwritten by a contribution from Aviva USA, one of the
nation's fastest-growing life insurers (www.AvivaUSA.com). The grant will pay
for the distribution of 12,000 copies of the documentary and education
materials as well as promotion of the forums.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB:

The National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for
journalists. Founded in 1908, the Club has 3,700 members representing most
major news organizations. The Club holds more than 2,000 events including news
conferences, luncheons and panels each year, and more than 250,000 guests come
through its doors. On the web at www.press.org .

SOURCE National Press Club

Gil Klein, National Press Club Centennial Project director, +1-703-338-2721,
gklein@press.org