Only five years ago, programs like "ER," "The West Wing," and "The Wire" were exploring the major policy issues of our times: access to health care; the war in Iraq; and the battle over drug abuse in the inner city. Television in the past has played a vibrant role in dramatizing the complexities of policy debate, but are shows today continuing that legacy? Do dramatic programs capture and reflect social policy issues and dilemmas? In light of the demise of print journalism, is television presenting more policy, and if it's not, should that be its role? The advent of new media's blogs, Facebook, Twitter and Youtube vie for the audiences' attention and have changed the way they get their stories.

Please join the New America Foundation for a discussion with Neal Baer as he considers how pressing policy issues can and should be presented to the public.