This Thursday, a campus forum with a panel of Eau Claire area journalists and professors will discuss how the local media intends to cover the Feb. 17 primary elections, as well as seek input from community members about what they would like to see in terms of coverage. The forum, which is free and invites community members and students to attend and ask questions, will take place this Thursday, February 5th, in the Presidents Room in Davies Center.

A January 29 news release by the University News Bureau lists a large group of panelists, and a political consultant, John Frank, will present his own two cents from his experience in running campaigns--such as for former U.S. Representative Steve Gunderson. The panel, moderated by Tom Giffey, the political reporter from the Leader-Telegram, will include:

• Doug Mell, managing editor of the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram.


• Mark Gunderman, assistant editor of the Chippewa Herald.


• Matt Ollwerther, editor in chief of The Spectator.


• Lisa Patrow, news director and anchor at WQOW-TV.


• Pat Kreitlow, news anchor at WEAU-TV.


• Mike Simon, news director at WAXX/WAYY.


• Geoffrey Peterson, assistant professor of political science at UW-Eau Claire.



• Edward Fredrick, associate professor of comm. and journalism at UW-Eau Claire.

The UW-Eau Claire chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, as well as the Western Wisconsin Press Club, cosponsored this event. Obviously this is an important forum, and not just because of the free refreshments to be provided.

I encourage everyone to come and participate in the discussion. The Flip Side was never invited to be on the panel, likely because we are not members of either hosting organization, but we'll be there right along with you. However, if you feel the alternative perspective of The Flip Side should be represented at similar events in the future, feel free to email Tom Giffey, president of the Western Wisconsin Press Club: tomgiffey@ecpc.com. To contact the Society of Professional Journalist, email Henry Lippold at: lippolhw@uwec.edu.