In the mid-1990s, local newspapers flourished. Buoyed by revenues from local businesses and classified ads, they went all color, expanded into each other’s turf, and offered a solid middle-class living to their employees.

Then came the internet. Downsizing, consolidation, and bankruptcies followed. Local newspapers disappeared.

Nowadays, El Cerrito and many other towns get virtually no news coverage. Join us for a discussion of the history — and possible futures — of local news with Bay Area journalists Eric Newton, Betty King Buginas, Charles Burress, Rick Radin, Craig Lazzeretti and Dave Weinstein. Society president Jon Bashor, also a journalist, moderates.