The Evolving Digital Media Environment Debated at Meridian’s Rising Leaders Council Dinner

Meridian’s Rising Leaders Council hosted a dinner and discussion exploring “Does Media Matter? The Future of the Fourth Estate in a Digital Era” on February 22, 2017. Emceeing the evening program was Rising Leaders Steering Committee member Ben Chang who opened with framing remarks on the evolving nature of the media industry, the role of the press in our democracy, and the reporting of news – including the platforms over which it is carried.

Peter Greenberger, Director of Global Content Partnerships and News at Twitter, joined as a featured speaker, providing some food for thought on the role Twitter plays as a resource for journalists and news outlets, and, more broadly, on the democratization of reporting. Following his remarks, Rising Leaders Steering Committee member Miriam Mahlow moderated a conversation between David Rennie, Washington Bureau Chief for The Economist, and Josh Rogin, Global Opinions Columnist for The Washington Post, who shared the challenges for journalists covering news today.

Conversations on the topic continued at each of the six tables, where Steering Committee members served as facilitators and prompted participation from dinner guests whose diversity of perspectives, sectors and expertise made for stimulating discussion.

Meridian’s Rising Leaders Council convenes leaders from the foreign diplomatic community with DC-based mid-career professionals to foster a substantive exchange of ideas on global leadership. The Council’s salon-style series offers guests the unique opportunity to explore key issues, share diverse perspectives, and strengthen relationships among this informed group.

Project summary

The Evolving Digital Media Environment Debated at Meridian’s Rising Leaders Council Dinner | February 2017
Number of Attendees:	51
Impact Areas:	Media and Journalism
Program Areas:	Diplomatic Engagement
Partners:	Diplomatic Corps, Private Sector, Individuals/Donors