Program Overview
The conference is your chance to meet, share ideas with and be inspired by thousands of people who care about the future of media, technology and democracy.
You’ll join activists, media makers, educators, journalists, artists and policymakers in sessions about journalism and public media; technology and innovation; policy and politics; arts and culture; social justice and movement building; plus how-to workshops and hands-on trainings. You’ll see creative, courageous and conscientious films and meet with writers during book signings. And of course, you won’t want to miss the parties.
Read on below to learn what’s in store for you at the conference and map out your trip. Check out the at-a-glance schedule, the detailed session schedule, or download a pdf of the printed program. We can’t wait to see you in Boston!
Plenary and Keynote Sessions
Join the audience to watch a live broadcast of Democracy Now!, discuss pressing media issues with Federal Communications Commissioners Michael Copps and Mignon Clyburn, and check out enlightening speeches and exciting performances. The plenary and keynote sessions are not to be missed.
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Themed Tracks
Policy and Politics
Sessions in this track will highlight critical media policy debates, discuss how to advance the public interest in Washington, and explore the media's impact on some of the world's most pressing political issues.
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Social Justice and Movement Building
Sessions in this track will look at the connections between media and social, political and economic justice issues, as well as share strategies for organizing a diverse, savvy and effective popular movement for better media.
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Journalism and Public Media
Sessions in this track will focus on the future of journalism and public media, spotlight innovative projects and policy ideas, and survey the diverse landscape of public, noncommercial, community, ethnic, alternative and new media.
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Media Makers, Culture and the Arts
Sessions in this track will explore music, art, film and other creative media, showcasing inspiring projects, examining how media and technology are affecting our culture, and connecting the arts to media policy and politics.
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Technology and Innovation
Sessions in this track will investigate how technology is reshaping media, politics and our daily lives. These sessions will feature new ideas from innovative thinkers using technology for social change.
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Workshops and Trainings
Sessions in this track will include how-to workshops, hands-on training, skills-building, "best practices" case studies, models for successful campaigns and strategies for engaging key constituencies.
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Caucuses
To get better media, we need strong alliances and partnerships. There are people and organizations participating in the conference that you won’t know, and the caucuses are a great way to meet them. Take this opportunity to connect with old friends and make new ones, lay the groundwork for new projects or partnerships, and strengthen your network.
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Shake Your Media Maker: Dance Party
After you’ve taken in a few great sessions, met new folks during the caucuses and attended the opening plenary, you’ll be ready to shake your media maker at the Friday night party. Join us at the Lighthouse for an evening of music, dancing and fun with DJ D'hana, Rizzla.DJ and band Gunpowder Gelatine. 9 p.m. to midnight.
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Book Signings
Independent bookstore the Odyssey Bookshop will sell relevant titles — including dozens from conference speakers and participants — and host book signings to bring readers and writers together. The Odyssey Bookshop is located in the Five-College region of Western Massachusetts and features a wide selection of new, used, antiquarian and bargain books. A list of titles and a schedule of book signings will be available at the conference.
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Films
We’ll be exploring how to use the media to change the media, and one of the ways we’ll be doing it is by showcasing creative, courageous and conscientious filmmaking. This year, we'll be screening documentaries, films and video shorts from activists, filmmakers and educators. Each film takes on the fight for better media, but not always in ways you might expect. Many of the filmmakers will be at NCMR to discuss their work and meet with audience members after the screening.
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On-Site Meeting Space
We’ve done everything we can to come up with panels, workshops and presenters that will hold the interest of everyone at the conference, but we know we can’t address all the amazing ideas and topics that are important to the media reform community. You may be hanging on to a panel submission that didn’t make the deadline; you may notice a gap in our programming; or you might want to hold a strategy session. No worries, it’s not too late. This is your conference, and we have space available on a first-come, first-serve basis for you to make your ideas a reality. Just sign up in person at the information desk to use the space. If you have questions or would like more information about the onsite meetings, please contact Chance Williams at conference@freepress.net.
Media and Technology Sandbox
Stop by the Media and Technology Sandbox to remix, hack and play with media and technology throughout the conference. This space will host hands-on, project-based workshops, from printmaking to app development, twice a day. The rest of the time, the Sandbox will be open for self-organized events and extended “play” time for those who want to make media, make a ruckus and make a difference.
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