John Temple, editor of a new Web-based Hawai'i news service, will be the keynote speaker at an event next week exploring the local news media's challenges and transformation.

"NewsMorphosis 2.0" will feature discussions about the state of the local media with a number of local media executives, including Honolulu Advertiser Editor Mark Platte and KGMB9 News Director Chris Archer.

The speakers will explore the changes occurring because of emerging technologies.

Other panelists invited to speak include journalists who have followed technology's increasing affect on the news business, including Michael Freedman, founding executive director of George Washington University's Global Media Institute.

The event is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Plaza Club. The registration fee is $85. A premium seat is available for $110 that includes entry into the speakers' cocktail party the night before the event.

Registration is available at www.thinktechhawaii.com/events.html. For more information, call Gail Caveney at 262-7329.