Nick Haines, executive producer of news and public affairs programming at KCPT, moderates a panel discussion about the future of local news on Thursday, June 4, at 6:30 p.m. at the Central Library, 14 W. 10th St.

The business model that has been responsible for delivering local news for years is now failing. Newspaper and other media outlets are struggling to pay for reporters to cover city councils, school boards, and other local happenings. In some cases, online blogs have filled the void, but can they ever really replace newspapers? What role must citizens play to ensure that local reporting continues to exist? Does a reduced commitment to local news threaten our democracy? Panel members will explore these issues.

The event is the second in the Library’s Figuring Out the Future of Print Media series.