Festival of Journalism Coming this Fall!

Save the date! The journalism department is partnering with the nonprofit news organization CalMatters to bring you a two-day festival of journalism in late October.

Save the dates! October 26-27, 2023. The journalism department is partnering with the nonprofit news organization CalMatters to host a two-day festival of journalism. 

Please join us in San Luis Obispo this fall for the first-ever festival of journalism -- a series of discussions to promote civic engagement around topics of vital interest to San Luis Obispo and the state. The festival will also feature our fourth Jim Hayes Symposium and the induction of eight new members of the Mustang Media Hall of Fame.  

This two-day event will provide a great opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni, network with media professionals and meet current students and faculty – all while exploring media coverage of today’s critical issues.  

Here’s a glimpse of what we have planned:  

Thursday, Oct. 26  

CalMatters Film Screening and Reception: Network with filmmakers and CalMatters journalists following the screening of a documentary in downtown SLO.  

Friday, Oct. 27  

CalMatters Live: Local decision makers and thought leaders join CalMatters journalists in discussions that address important local issues, politics and policies.  

The Jim Hayes Symposium: Former ABC News correspondent David Kerley moderates a thought-provoking conversation centered on trust in the media. Speakers include Emilio Garcia Ruiz, editor in chief of the San Francisco Chronicle; and Carolyn McGourty Supple, head of public affairs for Google Public Sector and former executive director of the Center for Ethical Leadership in Media.  

Gala Dinner and Hall of Fame: We induct eight honorees into the Journalism Department & Mustang Media Hall of Fame.  

Admission to all CalMatters events and the Jim Hayes Symposium is free. Tickets for the Hall of Fame Gala go on sale in August.  

More details soon!