Bjerga Inaugural Address to Discuss NPC Role in Helping Journalism Meet Challenges

Alan Bjerga, the Club's 103rd president, will talk about current issues facing the news industry at his inaugural gala, Saturday, Jan. 30. Bjerga will discuss job insecurity in the present economy, dwindling resources from news organizations, technological change disrupting media business models, hostility toward press freedom abroad and violence against journalists.

"In a time when U.S. newsrooms are seeing radical change and journalists everywhere are working for press freedom, the National Press Club will be a leader in helping journalism meet its new challenges,' Bjerga said

Keynote speakers for the black-tie event will be Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Amanda Bennett, Bloomberg News executive editor. Entertainment for the evening will be provided by the band “Honky Tonk Confidential,” led by Bob Schieffer, host of CBS' "Face the Nation.'

The event is black-tie optional. A cocktail reception will begin at 6:30 p.m., with dinner at 7:30 p.m., remarks at 8:30 p.m., and entertainment following. The public is invited to attend, and reservations are required. Tickets are $75 and may be purchased by calling 202-662-7501 or by e-mailing [email protected]

To cover the event or request interviews, media should RSVP to [email protected] . Doors open to press at 6 p.m. Credentials will be checked.