Former LaCrosse Tribune editor, current Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation board member and Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame member Rusty Cunningham will speak on “The Impact of News Media on Civic Engagement” from 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. on Oct. 8 at The Waterfront Restaurant-North Entrance.
Local news reporting plays a critical role in the health of our communities—and democracy. What is the impact — here and nationwide — of declining news coverage on civil discourse and emerging hyper-partisanship in local non-partisan government?
Cunningham will discuss changes in local news coverage and the impact on civic engagement, government accountability, erosion of community connections and increased political polarization. He will discuss strategies for the League of Women Voters of LaCrosse to create and promote civil discourse and citizen engagement in local government.
An award-winning journalist with a 41-year career with Lee Enterprises newspapers, Cunningham served as editor and publisher of the La Crosse Tribune and River Valley Media Group for nearly 25 years. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame in 2024.
Learn more about the event here. The Waterfront’s North Entrance is located at 128 Front St. in LaCrosse.
