A community discussion Thursday night will focus on the future of news media.

The Helena Education Foundation has dubbed the event “A Community Dialogue: With the demand for news greater than ever, how is it best delivered? What would you like to see and how would you best receive it?”

HEF Executive Director Lisa Cordingley said the kind of news produced in small communities can’t be reproduced anywhere else. Despite media naysayers, Cordingley believes local press organizations are necessary in order to function as a society.

“It’s the lifeblood of the community,” she said.

A panel of professionals will lead the discussion, including Jim Clarke, bureau chief for the Associated Press; Peggy Kuhr, dean of the University of Montana School of Journalism; and John Doran, editor of the Independent Record.

Clarke said as bureau chief for Montana, Utah, Wyoming and Colorado, he has an interesting seat overlooking the newspaper business.

“I talk to editors and publishers in four states and it’s an interesting perspective to see how the business is evolving,” he said.

It costs money to gather news, Clarke said, and he’s interested in hearing from audience just what they’re willing to pay for in news delivery.

Clarke also is interested to hear about what’s important coverage to the community — is it crime, the local school board or the White House? Clarke, who used to reside in Helena, said the Queen City is a great setting to have an interesting and thoughtful conversation.

Cordingley expects the community discussion to be interactive with the audience. The event is free and open to the public and is set for 7 p.m. Thursday at Trinity Hall at Carroll College.

Alana Listoe: 447-4081 or alana.listoe@helenair.com