Journalism Takes Center Stage at St. Cloud State

ST. CLOUD -- Up-and-coming journalists are the feature of this year's First Amendment Forum at St. Cloud State University.

The 42nd annual event titled "Heart & Soul: Community Journalism in Minnesota" allowed students to hear from media professionals throughout the state, Friday.

Swift County Monitor-News Publisher Reed Anfinson was selected as the 2013 Defense of the First Amendment Award winner.

The award is given each year to a person with Minnesota connections who exemplifies a strong defense of the First Amendment and its ideals.

An early morning panel discussion took up changes in community journalism. A second afternoon panel focused on the challenges of a lack of diversity within newsrooms.

The event was organized by the SCSU student chapter and national Society of Professional Journalists.