Twilight or a new dawn?

What is the value of hyperlocal news to democracy? How has Twitter changed the profession of journalism? Is there space for the professional photographer in the 21^st century newsroom?

These are some of the issues debated by journalists and academics from around the world who are meeting in Cardiff to discuss the changing perceptions of journalism and the role of the industry in the current climate.

On 12 and 13 September 2013 the School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies' fourth biennial research-based conference, sponsored by Routledge Taylor and Francis - will focus on the topic: The Future of Journalism: In an age of digital media and economic uncertainty.

The conference – one of the leading journalism studies events in Europe - will open with a plenary address by Professor Robert G Pickard, a distinguished and world-leading specialist on media economics based at Oxford University's Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism.

In his speech - Twilight or a new dawn for journalism? - Professor Pickard will outline some of the fundamental changes to the industry in recent years, the issues journalism and journalists face in the current economic and technological climate as well as the opportunities for development. Over the two days, other conference sessions will explore journalists' use of social media, the perceptions of journalism, ethics, new technology and blogging.

Organised by Professor Bob Franklin, the conference papers will be published in special editions of the journals Journalism Practice andJournalism Studies, edited by Professor Franklin and based at the School.

During the event there will be live blogging sessions and you can follow the conference on Twitter using #FoJ2013. Updates and footage will also be available via the School's website.