Attention alt-weekly food writers: Your comrades are inviting you to join them in Charleston, S.C. for the Association of Food Journalists’ annual conference in October.

Here’s the full release from Seattle Weekly food critic Hanna Raskin, who will be leading a panel of alt-weekly scribes:

ASSOCIATION OF FOOD JOURNALISTS INVITES
ALT-WEEKLY CONTRIBUTORS TO ANNUAL CONFERENCE

July 13, 2011 — Alternative weeklies are a major force in food journalism: Over the past two years, two-thirds of the James Beard awards won by newspapers went to alt-weekly writers. Yet alt-weekly food writers have never before
had a forum in which to discuss the unique nature of their craft.

At this year’s Association of Food Journalists’ annual conference in Charleston, S.C, alt-weekly food writers from across the country will gather for a session devoted to critical issues confronting alt-weekly food writers striving to uphold a proud tradition of thoughtful, progressive journalism. “Keeping an Alt-Weekly Attitude in a 24-Hour News
Cycle” will examine how to handle shrinking budgets and growing online obligations; how to balance humor with
authority; how to package food policy and politics for an alt-weekly audience and how to cover marginalized food
communities.

A trio of distinguished panelists will lead the conversation: Lisa Sorg comes from North Carolina, where she serves
as food editor for the Independent Weekly in Durham. Besha Rodell is Creative Loafing Atlanta’s food and drink editor and restaurant critic. And Robert Siestsema has served as the Village Voice’s restaurant critic since 1993.
Hanna Raskin, food critic for the Seattle Weekly, will moderate the panel.

In addition to the alt-weekly writers’ session, participants in the Oct. 5-7 conference will have the opportunity to have their work critiqued by AFJ writers-in-residence Matt and Ted Lee. Conference goers will taste Carolina Gold rice with Anson Mills’ Glenn Roberts, sample Madeira with The Rare Wine Co.’s Mannie Berk and dine at Husk,
the latest restaurant from James Beard Chef-Southeast award winner Sean Brock. For the complete agenda, visit
www.afjonline.com.

AFJ is a professional journalism association that upholds and fosters professional ethical standards and attempts to increase knowledge about food and encourage and promote a greater understanding of food news among fellow
journalists and those who manage news dissemination organizations.

Contact: Hanna Raskin

(206)467-4318

hraskin@seattleweekly.com