Independent journalist visiting VIU to talk about free speech

What: National commentator Jen Gerson lectures on Free Speech in the Digital Age: The problems of censorship and the perils of regulation. Event is free and open to the public.

When: January 10, 6 to 7:30 pm

Where: Building 355, Lecture Hall 203, Nanaimo campus (see Nanaimo campus map).

The growth of companies like Google and Facebook has meant traditional news outlets are struggling to remain viable.The Canadian government has responded with legislation and regulations aimed at helping. But will laws and regulations help, or will it only further undermine the freedom of the press?

Join Calgary-based journalist Jen Gerson for a discussion about freedom of the press and free speech in Canada. Gerson is a contributing columnist to The Globe and Mail. She’s been published in The National Post, The New York Times and the CBC. She is also co-founder of the independent Canadian news outlet The Line.

“Gerson offers a unique perspective on Canadian media,” said Dr. David Livingstone, Chair of the Liberal Studies program at VIU. “While legacy media might accept government assistance, money never comes without strings attached. Hearing from an independent journalist – and a successful one at that – is an outlook people might really appreciate.”

The event is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by the Alexandro Malaspina Research Centre’s Malaspina Fellowship Program with financial support from The Institute for Liberal Studies

-30

MEDIA CONTACT:

Eric Zimmer, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University

P: 250.618.7296 | E: Eric.Zimmer@viu.ca  | X: @VIUNews