Speaking

Marisa Porto speaks on the future of journalism, local news sustainability, leadership, artificial intelligence, and organizational transformation.

An experienced leader, educator, and strategist, Porto brings a forward-looking perspective to conversations about the challenges facing democratic institutions worldwide.

Speaking Topics

  • The Future of Local News:
    How local journalism can adapt, and innovate.

  • Technology, AI, and the Future of Journalism:
    The opportunities, risks, and ethical questions.

  • Journalism and Democracy:
    The essential role of journalism in democratic societies.

  • Leadership During Industry Disruption:
    How media leaders can navigate uncertainty.

  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Media:
    Building community-centered approaches.

  • Press Freedom and Global Media:
    Lessons from international journalism partnerships.

  • Women in Media Leadership:
    Leadership, resilience, and navigating change.

  • Leading Through Transformation:
    Strengthening culture, resilience, and innovation.

“Marisa is a razor-focused strategist and decisive leader, but she also knows how to be a collaborative colleague. She was especially talented at building a culture of excellence and success.”

— Rebecca Troyer, Editor in Chief, Triangle Business Journal

SELECTED SPEAKING & MEDIA ENGAGEMENTS

  • Speaker, The Latest News on Local News, Carolina Public Humanities Seminar, Carrboro, NC (2026)

  • Moderator, Newsrooms Respond to Speech Limits, International Journalism Festival, Perugia, Italy (2026)

  • Presenter, AI and the Sustainability of Local News in Ukraine in Wartime, Future of Journalism Conference, Cardiff University, Wales (2025)

  • Speaker, The Information Revolution: AI, Big Tech, and the Future of Journalism and Democracy, Carolina Public Humanities, Chapel Hill, NC (2025)

  • Organizer, Host and Moderator, AI and the Future of Local News, two-panel pre-conference workshop featuring national leaders in AI and journalism, Local News Researchers Workshop, co-sponsored by UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University (2025)

  • Panelist, Avoiding Slash and Burn: Leveraging AI to Expand Journalism’s Business Model, AEJMC, San Francisco (2025)

  • Panelist, AI, Aggregation, and the Future of Journalism’s Business Model, UNESCO World Press Freedom Day, Santiago, Chile (2024)

  • Speaker, Proactive vs. Reactive: How News Media Covers AI’s Impact on Copyright, Prague Media Point, Prague, Czech Republic (2024).