A Foundation to release major study examing effectiveness of newspaper youth content
Research to be released at NAA Foundation Young Reader Conference July 24 in St. Louis
Washington Post Publisher and CEO Boisfeuillet Jones Jr.,
Landmark Communications Chairman Bruce Bradley to address the group
Vienna, Va. – Results from a major study examining the impact newspaper teen content has on developing future readers will be unveiled during the Newspaper Association of America Foundation’s 2006 Young Reader Conference July 22-26 in St. Louis. The research – the first comprehensive look at how newspaper content for teens influences future newspaper readership—will be presented July 24 at the conference which for the first time will be attended by both Newspaper in Education and Youth Editorial Alliance professionals.
“This study will provide newspapers with critical information about the effectiveness of their youth content, and it is appropriate that it will be presented to those on the front lines of developing the next generation of newspaper readers and professionals,” said Margaret Vassilikos, senior vice president and treasurer of the NAA Foundation. “NIE and YEA professionals work hard to strengthen the efforts newspapers are making to build more avid readers and better informed citizens. We’re excited this joint conference will present a unique opportunity to exchange, debate and share important perspective on these issues.”
The Young Reader Conference will be held at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark. Other sessions:
Saturday, July 22: YEA Teen Fellows
Fellowships were awarded to 13 outstanding young writers, photographers and illustrators who regularly contribute to the teen sections of their local newspapers. Jack Kennedy, a former Dow Jones Journalism Teacher of the Year and current vice president of the Journalism Education Association, will lead an all-day educational seminar for the fellows.
Sunday, July 22: General Sessions: Youths Reporting
Four general sessions will bring together professors from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and those overseeing youth reporters for a discussion of topics ranging from coaching the young reporter to computer assisted reporting.
Monday, July 24: Publishers Insights—The Future of Newspapers
NAA Chairman and Washington Post Publisher and Chief Executive Officer Boisfeuillet Jones Jr. will present during a morning session, and Bruce Bradley, president/publishing group of Landmark Communications Inc. and chairman of the NAA Foundation Board of Trustees, will be the luncheon speaker. Also on the topic of the future of newspapers, the 13 teen fellows will discuss with attendees how youth sections, NIE programs and newspapers as a whole can improve upon their efforts to reach younger readers.
Performance by Freedom Sings: A cast of musicians will tell the story of almost three centuries of banned or censored music in America, inviting the audience to take a fresh look at the First Amendment.
Tuesday, July 25: General session – High Five: An Update
This session will provide a comprehensive look at High Five, a new program from the NAA Foundation funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. The intensive language-arts curriculum for sixth-graders is designed to use the newspaper every day and increase test scores. Teachers who participated in the field test will be available to discuss the program, which NIE professionals will be able to offer educators on the local level.
Wednesday, July 26: NIE Closing session: Advancing the Civic Mission of Schools
David Skaggs, executive director of the Center for Democracy & Citizenship at the Council for Excellence in Government, will share insights about civic education programs currently being offered in schools.
The complete schedule can be found at www.naafoundation.org
Newspaper In Education is a cooperative effort between schools, newspapers and civic-minded sponsors that promotes the use of newspapers as an educational resource and curriculum tool. The Youth Editorial Alliance is an advocate for youth voices in the news media committed to high quality newspaper content which addresses their concerns.
Sponsors of the 2006 NAA Foundation Young Reader Conference are The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, , American Profile Magazine, Associated Press, Breakfast Serials, Feld Entertainment, Foundation for Investor Education, Hollister Kids, Hot Topics/Hot Serials, Kid Scoop, KRP Productions, McClatchy Interactive, Missouri Press Association, National Geographic, NIE Online, Parade Magazine, Pigskin Geography, RP Productions, Scripps Howard Foundation, Universal Press Syndicate, USA WEEKEND Magazine and Verizon
Press credentials
Members of the working press who wish to cover the 2006 Young Reader Conference may request press credentials by contacting NAA Vice President of Strategic Communications Sheila Owens at (703) 902-1682 or sheila.owens@naa.org.
All news media will be asked to show photo identification and current press credentials or a letter from an assigning editor. Advance notice of attendance is recommended to expedite credentialing, although onsite processing will be available.
The Newspaper Association of America Foundation strives to develop engaged and literate citizens in our diverse society through investment in and support of programs designed to enhance student achievement through newspaper readership and appreciation of the First Amendment.The Foundation’s programs and products emphasize the use of newspapers and other media by young people.
© 2005 Newspaper Association of America