Can journalism and communications schools help shape the next generation of media entrepreneurs? PBS MediaShift is producing its first Journalism School Hackathon, co-produced and hosted by the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill's School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The focus for the Hackathon will be on creating sustainable business models and revenues for news outlets.

How It Works

From the students, faculty and pros assembled, we'll create "dream teams" with people from various schools on one team. Each team will have a mix of necessary disciplines -- editor/producer, designer, tech person, business-savyy pro or faculty facilitator -- who will learn to work together in the crucible of the weekend hackathon. The weekend will be a combination of focused talks and training from innovation leaders and experts, work sessions and final presentations of solutions. Faculty and industry experts will provide expertise to each team and help them rapidly develop their solution. Judges will pick winners, who can potentially work with local media company on solution.

All journalism and communications schools are invited to attend the Hackathon, as well as journalists, editors, technologists, entrepreneurs and others with an interest in networking, collaboration and innovation.

Registration costs: $109 for faculty and professionals, $59 for students and a 10% discount for groups of 5 or more participants. Please go to this Eventbrite page [1] to register.

UNC has on-campus housing available — ranging from $123.70 per person for two nights for single occupancy rooms to $71.73 per person for two nights double occupancy. More housing details here [2].