Eight fellows have been chosen from about 350 applicants to attend the Academy for Alternative Journalism summer residency program at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. The Academy, which begins next Monday and runs through August, trains young journalists in long-form feature writing with the aim of recruiting them into the alternative press.

Continue Reading2009 Academy for Alternative Journalism Fellows Named

Tess Martinez died Monday in a car accident in New Mexico. She was 25 years old. Martinez was one of 10 Academy for Alternative Journalism fellows in 2008 and a former Tucson Weekly intern. The Weekly reports that she was on her way to the Chicago area to look for work when the accident happened. Her Twitter page lists her last message -- sent at 3:44 pm on Saturday -- as: "driving to Chicago tonight."

Continue ReadingAcademy for Alternative Journalism Alum is Killed

The former president's keynote remarks on running out of oil and our national energy strategy make an appearance in the new feature-length documentary Sprawling From Grace. The film, which was released on DVD last month, examines the transportation infrastructure and urban planning choices that have led to the current state of suburban sprawl and looks at possible ways forward. The film also features interviews with Michael Dukakis, Denver mayor John Hickenlooper and planning and environmental experts.

Continue ReadingBill Clinton’s 2006 Convention Speech Featured in New Documentary

On Thursday, April 16, members of AAN's Executive Committee participated in a panel discussion and reception at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in Manhattan. The panel covered topics ranging from reader demographics and the future of newspapers to what editors are looking for in new hires. For audio of dean Nicholas Lemann's introduction and the panel discussion, click here. (All photos by Rebecca Castillo.)

Continue ReadingPHOTOS & AUDIO: Alt-Weeklies Invade Columbia J-School

"It's clear that the old days of relying solely on display and classified advertising are over," AAN executive director Richard Karpel says. "So this year's convention will feature a great deal of programming on new products and revenue streams, and new business strategies." Seizing opportunities and getting through the recession will also be big topics this year in Tucson.

Continue ReadingConvention Program Focuses on Web Publishing, Evolving Biz Models