Join the Boston Phoenix, the first alternative weekly to register for the Expo, and Village Voice Media and the New Haven Advocate, which have hired some of our top graduates in recent months. Given the economy and the state of our industry, we know that many of you are cutting back on travel and perhaps don’t expect to be hiring in the near future. But we really need your support.

We’re grateful to the alt-weekly media for its fearless journalism, and we remain as committed as ever to training the kinds of journalists you’re looking for. The current class is dominated by aspiring long-form narrative writers who have their sights set on alternative weekly journalism and are eager to step into entry-level jobs and internships.

Registration includes continental breakfast, a luncheon, a Resume Book and/or DVD, a table with your paper’s name on it, a pre-screened interview schedule, all-day beverages and snacks, and year-round free access to our online job posting service. Read more at www.journalism.columbia.edu/careerexpo2009. Register today at this site.

The Hotel Beacon is currently advertising single rates of $205 a night; this hotel is popular with visitors to Columbia because it’s clean and close to campus. www.beaconhotel.com As an aside, hotel rates are definitely lower this year than last; you might find an even better rate on Orbitz.

If you have any questions or concerns about this event, please call Gina Boubion at (212)854-2980 or gb2219 (at) columbia.edu. We look forward to seeing some of you in March.

Thanks for your time.