At a forum this morning at Columbia University, Knight Foundation President and CEO Alberto Ibargüen said he hopes a new FCC report on community information needs engenders a vigorous debate, and action.

Released Thursday and inspired by the findings of the Knight Commission, the FCC’s report focuses on practical ways that public policy can improve the environment for local accountability journalism, which has suffered significant cutbacks in recent years.

Ibargüen also talked about the unique leadership role of journalism schools and philanthropy in meeting community information needs.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, report author Steven Waldman and Columbia Journalism School Dean Nicholas Lemann also took part in the forum.

Report author Steven Waldman, Senior Advisor to the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.