An Oct. 1 panel discussion, focused on the interaction between news media and social media, will highlight local activities that are part of a national effort to spotlight the role played by the news media in a democratic society. Oct. 1 has been designated as News Engagement Day (NED) this year by the national journalism-mass communication educators’ organization that sponsors it. The idea behind NED is to get students and others in the community involved in some way with the news media, so that this can lead to a greater understanding of their role in helping to develop an informed citizenry. To read more, click on the headline.