Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy held an event on January 31st with a discussion on the future of local journalism. Professor Joel Fleishman joined President of the Revson Foundation Julie Sandorf for a “discussion of the role of philanthropy in reviving local journalism initiatives”. The New York City-based Charles H. Revson Foundation supports “programs focused on urban affairs, medical research, education, and Jewish culture”. The event was held at Duke’s Center for Strategic Philanthropy and Civil Society as one of five ‘Foundation Impact Research Group seminars’ held each semester.

According to his university bio, Joel L. Fleishman is the Professor of Law and Public Policy Sciences at Duke University. He also “serves as the director of the Samuel and Ronnie Heyman Center for Ethics, Public Policy and the Professions as well as the director of the Center for Strategic Philanthropy and Civil Society”. Julie Sandorf’s has been president of the Revson Foundation since January 2008. According to the Revson Foundation:

Before joining Revson, she was a co-founder and executive director of Nextbook, a national organization dedicated to the creation and promotion of Jewish literature, culture, and the arts… She currently serves as an adviser to the Oak Foundation, is chairperson of the board of directors of the Center for Urban Community Services, and is a member of the boards of directors of the West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing, Leading Edge: Alliance for Excellence in Jewish Leadership, and the A.M. and Ruth Z. Fleishman Foundation.

The path to save local journalism is not simple but the discussion is an important addition to thinking on the subject. The video is about 45 minutes. Take a look: