This week at the Aspen Institute, there is a robust discussion exploring recommendations of the Knight Commission on Information Needs of Communities. The 2010 FOCAS, News Cities: The Next Generation of Healthy Informed Communities forum, will take place through August 18 and aims to arrive at specific action steps to help communities “improve their information health.” The livestream is broadcasting now and the twitter stream, #FOCAS10, has been a great reflection of the discussion. Be sure to follow this important debate and join in the conversation.

Complete agenda:

Monday, August 16, 2010 (all times Mountain Standard Time) 8:30 a.m. ‘ 8:45 a.m.””””” Opening of Forum ‘ Introductory Remarks 8:45 a.m. ‘ 10:15 a.m.”””” Plenary Roundtable I:’ Local Journalism 2010 10:45 a.m. ‘ 12:15 p.m.””” Plenary Roundtable II:’ Public Media Reform

Tuesday, August 17, 2010 8:45 a.m. ‘ 9:45 a.m.” ”’ ‘ ‘ Plenary Roundtable III:’ Universal Broadband Access 9:45 a.m. ‘ 10:45 a.m.”””” Plenary Roundtable IV:’ The New Literacies 11:15 a.m. ‘ 12:15 p.m.””” Plenary Roundtable V:’ Public Engagement

Wednesday, August 18, 2010 8:45 a.m. ‘ 10:15 a.m.” ”’ ‘ Plenary Roundtable VI.’ Recommendations from the Working Groups 10:30 a.m. ‘ 12:00 p.m.” ‘ ‘ Plenary Roundtable VII.’ Moving Forward: Synthesis of Action Steps

View the opening remarks of Knight Foundaiton CEO, Alberto Ibarügen below. Watch live streaming video from aspeninstitute at livestream.com