Arts and the media in the Internet age

Four Boston area writers will debate the impact of reviews on the arts on Wednesday, June 4, at 7:30 p.m. in the Rockport Public Library.

Geoff Edgers and Wesley Morris from The Boston Globe, Greg Liakos from the Massa’chu’setts Cultural Council, and freelance arts writer Keith Powers will discuss the decline of arts reporting, examine the role of the Internet, and speculate about the future. Former arts magazine editor Rae Francoeur will moderate as the panel debates such questions as: Is an Internet blog about a recent movie of less value than a review by an experienced movie critic who answers to a supervisor and a paying readership? How is accountability defined by people who rely primarily on the Internet for information? Do the arts suffer when newspapers, radio, and television reduce their coverage of new books, exhibits, and musical performances?

This program is the first in a series of summer literary events sponsored by the Rockport Public Library, the Friends of the Library, and Toad Hall Bookstore. The next event will launch an adult Beach Reading program on Tuesday, June 10, at 7:30 p.m.