Hyper-Local News, Moloka`i Style

Akaku Press Release

Akaku: Maui Community Television Hosts Todd Yamashita, Owner/Editor of The Moloka`i Dispatch Discusses News for the Friendly Isle on
Friday, June 26 at 6pm

Kahului, June 8- Akaku: Maui Community Television (Akaku) will host Todd Yamashita, owner and editor of The Molokai Dispatch on Friday, June 26 from 6-8pm at its digital lounge at 333 Dairy Road, Kahului. Independent community producers and attendees will be able to ask questions and “talk-story” with Yamashita after a brief presentation on the theme: “News for the People of Molokai.” The event is open to the public and a suggested donation of $5 to cover food and beverage costs is welcomed. Interested individuals should R.S.V.P to reserve a seat, as space will be limited.

Branded as “News for the people of Molokai,” the Molokai Dispatch advocates Hawaiian culture, family values, education, community dialogue, accountability in leadership, and sustainable practices.

A forth generation resident of Molokai, Yamashita acquired the weekly newspaper in 2006. He runs the longest running publication on Molokai since 1985.

“Media is a service-based industry. Local media will always have a place as long as the products we create can improve the lives of our families and neighbors,” said Yamashita. He stresses the importance of small-town independent media and works to promote “hyper-local news” that appeals to the immediate Molokai community.

Community members and producers will hear some of the challenges local news organizations face as they balance their need as commercial entities to remain financially viable while still informing the community with balanced journalism and crime news presentation. Other areas of discussion will include the impact of new technologies on traditional news models and the growing presence of “citizen journalists” in the community.

The presentation is this month’s second of Akaku’s semi-monthly media salon series offered to independent community producers and residents interested in media issues.

To register for the Media Salon at Akaku, or for more information, call 871-5554, visit our website at www.akaku.org, or stop by our offices at 333 Dairy Road, Kahului.

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About Todd Yamashita: Todd Yamashita is the owner and editor of The Molokai Dispatch. He acquired the weekly newspaper at the age of 30 in 2006. The Molokai Dispatch has been the longest running publication on Molokai since 1985. It is currently the only newspaper produced on-island and 4,600 copies of the paper are directly mailed and distributed island-wide every week.

Akaku: Maui Community Television (Akaku): Empowers the community’s voice through access to media. Akaku is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation that airs content created by the community for the community. Community members on Maui, Moloka’i, and Lana’i are encouraged to submit programming to the station, create their own television shows and have their voices heard by fellow community members. For more information, please visit www.Akaku.org.