Independent Media Mobile Hackathon

About This Event

The Media Consortium-a network of the country's leading progressive, independent media outlets-in coordination with Hacks/Hackers, is organizing and hosting an Independent Media Hackathon on October 9-10 in Chicago!

This 48-hour event is will bring mobile developers together with national and Chicago-based independent media organizations to brainstorm and build prototype mobile applications that deliver news to users in innovative ways.

Why you should RSVP

Whether you're a hacker, coder, or journalist, the Independent Media Mobile Hackathon promises top-notch networking opportunities and the potential to create a game-changing mobile application. Attendees will also get free schwag and the opportunity to see ideas become reality. In short, this mobile hackathon is a great opportunity to make your mark on the future of journalism.

Hackathon Focus

We're looking to develop apps within the frame of “News + Fun + Community," including:

• Creative ways to integrate creation and delivery of news/commentary with game mechanics (including gaming, fun, interaction, calls to action)
• Opportunities to engage users beyond content delivery with the functions of the smart phone (such as location-based opportunities, community interactions, sharing)

All prototype apps created at the hackathon should be cross-platform (accessible via mobile web, tablet computer, smartphone, etc.). Other Hackathon goals include:

• Develop ongoing connections with the mobile development community to foster news ideas and knowledge
• Provide test prototypes to serve as a proof-of-concept for potential support from funders/investors to help build out applications
• Have real chunks of open source code that can be used immediately by all participants in their mobile development

Schedule Details

Saturday, October 9, 2010

10:00 AM

Event Begins

Sunday, October 10, 2010

4:00 PM

Event Ends