The Past, Present, and Future of Journalism
Join Scott Lebar, Managing Editor of The Sacramento Bee, for a candid, funny, and deeply personal journey through five decades of journalism — and an industry that has transformed almost beyond recognition.
Scott’s father put a camera on the moon. His mother was a concert pianist. He likes to think journalism became his way of combining the science of one with the art of the other. His career began with an assignment covering a nudist convention, followed not long after by his first murder story: a triple slaying. Eventually, daycare bills helped push him from reporting into editing, where he discovered a different way to pursue the “naked truth” — by guiding other journalists, shaping coverage, challenging the powerful, and elevating the people making their communities better.
Over the course of his career, Scott has watched journalism move from manual typewriters to the internet, social media, and now artificial intelligence. Through all that disruption, he argues that the most important part of journalism hasn’t changed: the human touch. Drawing on the stories, lessons, mistakes, and memorable characters of a lifetime in newsrooms, he’ll explore what journalism has been, what it’s becoming, and why — 50 years later — he still believes in its power to help heal the world.
Scott Lebar is Managing Editor of The Sacramento Bee, where he runs the newsroom and helps guide coverage of the Sacramento region. In more than 40 years at The Bee, he has overseen nearly every corner of the newsroom, from local and state government coverage to business, sports, features, and visual journalism. Recently honored with McClatchy’s Excellence in Editing Award, Scott also leads The Bee’s internship program, helping introduce new generations of reporters to a profession that has defined much of his life.
Before arriving in Sacramento, Scott covered cops, courts, and the governor in Annapolis, worked the night shift at the Baltimore News American, and eventually became its TV critic and Entertainment Editor. Along the way, he conducted both the worst and the best interview of his career — with the same person, Bob Hope. (He’ll explain.) Through it all, he has held onto six words he considers essential to good journalism: “I don’t know. I’ll find out.”
Expect stories, surprises, and lessons from a life spent chasing the truth. 📰✨
🕰 Event Details
What should I expect?
6:30 - 7:30 : people arrive and chats
7:30 - 8:20 : lecture
8:20 - 8:35 : Q&A
8:35 - 9:00: more time for chats, hanging out, and then we're out!
Who's invited?
Anyone with an interest in learning new things, meeting new people, and doing fun things on weeknights! Lots of people come solo to our events, so don't be afraid to do the same—you’ll meet some awesome people!
What about parking?
There's no designated on-site parking so we recommend street parking or using public transportation.
Do I have to be 21+?
No :) This venue is open to all ages. If you'd like to purchase alcohol, you must be 21+ and present a valid ID.
Will this event be photographed or recorded?
Photos and short video clips may be taken for promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to being photographed or recorded. We do not do full recordings of lectures at this time.
🧾 Policies
The lecture is sold out! Can I join a waitlist?
Unfortunately, Luma does NOT support waitlists for paid events yet. We recommend checking back on the event site the day before / the day of the event!
What about refunds?
You can refund your ticket up to 24 hours before the event starts. Since this is a limited-space event, we encourage you to update your RSVP if you can’t make it—this helps us keep spots open for others. NOTE - you do NOT need to email us for a refund, we will issue one within 48 hours upon changing your RSVP to "Not Going" :)
What about accessibility?
We want our lectures to be as accessible as possible. Accessibility can vary depending on the space, so please research our specific venue to learn more about things like wheelchair access and service animal policies. If you have any accessibility needs not covered here, please email us at sac@bigbrainlectures.com and we’ll do our best to support you.
What about the ticket structure?
Every ticket sold goes directly back into the business. However, we want to make our events accessible to everyone. If cost is a barrier, please reach out for financial assistance by emailing sac@bigbrainlectures.com.
What about email updates?
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🧠 Community Guidelines
Big Brain events are designed to be welcoming, curious, and respectful spaces for learning and connection.
By attending, you agree to treat speakers, staff, venue employees, and fellow attendees with respect and to follow all venue rules and staff instructions.
Harassment, disruptive behavior, or excessive intoxication will not be tolerated. For the safety and comfort of everyone, Big Brain and the venue reserve the right to refuse entry or remove any attendee at any time, without refund, if behavior is deemed unsafe, disruptive, or disrespectful.
🍸 Alcohol & Safety
Depending on the venue, alcohol may be sold and served exclusively by the venue in accordance with California law. Big Brain is not responsible or liable for alcohol service, overconsumption, or any actions resulting from intoxication. By attending, you voluntarily assume all risks associated with a public indoor event and agree that you are solely responsible for your own conduct, safety, and transportation before, during, and after the event.
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Thanks for supporting our growing mission! 🧠✨
*For any other questions or special accommodations, please email sac@bigbrainlectures.com.