Quebec's independent daily newspaper, Le Devoir, has announced a year long string of activities to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2010. The programme of commemorative events, unveiled at a press conference in Montreal on 17 November, include a television documentary, a series of public lectures - and an international symposium organized by Media@McGill and the Centre d'études sur les médias.
Le Devoir was founded on 10 January 1910 by Quebec political figure Henri Bourassa. "Launched by some of the best journalists of the last century, Le Devoir has always been present, as well as resolved, to inform and enliven a healthy public debate on the major challenges of our society," declared Bernard Descôteaux, publisher of Le Devoir. "All through 2010, there will be as many occasions to recall this newspaper's contribution to making Quebec what it is today, as there will be to continue our great tradition: carrying on the debate about our society and its future.''
Alain Saulnier (head of news and information at Radio- Canada); Josée Boileau (editor-in-chief of Le Devoir); Jean-Pierre Charbonneau (former journalist and member of the Quebec National Assembly); In the background Florian Sauvageau and Marc Raboy.
Beyond this history, Descôteaux said, Le Devoir is also concerned about the century ahead. And so, as part of the activities to mark the centennial, the question of the role and the future of the independent newspaper will be addressed. This issue will be at the core of the international conference organized by Media@McGill and the CEM.
"If the independent newspaper did not exist, it would have to be invented," said Media@McGill director Marc Raboy. "In fact, that is exactly what is happening with the quest for new outlets for rigorous, quality news and information. What nobody can say at this stage is precisely what form these new outlets will take."
Marc Raboy (Media@McGill) and Florian Sauvageau (centre
d'études sur les médias).
The international symposium The independent newspaper: elusive dream or beacon of democracy? will be held at the Grande Bibliothèque on 12 March, 2010, from 9h00am to 5h30pm.
For more information :
http://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/news/item/?item_id=112255
