Georgiana Vines' senior Media Management class at UT's School of Journalism and Electronic Media had a panel discussion this afternoon with Tom Griscom, Publisher and Executive Editor of the Chattanooga Times Free Press, Jack Lail, Director of Newsroom Innovation at the Knoxville News Sentinel, and yours truly, the designated blogger.

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The topic was "convergence" and how online publishing is blurring the lines between print and broadcast media and the skill set needed to prosper in "new media." It was a great discussion and there were lots of good questions from students.

After that we met up at Copper Cellar on the Strip for refreshments and conversation. We were joined by Patrick Birmingham, the new President and Publisher of the Knoxville News Sentinel. Mr. Griscom and Mr. Birmingham had a fascinating conversation about operations at their respective newspapers and discussed some new ideas they are working on.

It was like being a fly on the wall at a high-level summit between two heads of state. They both "opened their kimonos" in a frank exchange of ideas about the future of journalism and the newspaper business. The fact that they are, to an extent, regional competitors made it even more interesting. It was a real treat.

Thanks to Georgiana for inviting me to participate in her class discussion and for the opportunity to sit down with two East Tennessee publishing giants. And for picking up the tab.