Fake News & Political Persuasion

Past Locations for this Event

Fake News & Political Persuasion | Atlanta

Past Locations for this Event

About this event

Featured​ ​Experts: First Amendment lawyer Peter Canfield moderates a panel of journalists, free speech experts, and digital engagement scholars

Overview:​ Public news consumption occurs quickly in the digital age. Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, email, the list goes on. Many people unintentionally engage with the news through questionable sources where stories are not properly vetted. As journalistic accuracy declines, we consider what this means for political engagement, for digital engagement on social media platforms, and for our human interest in storytelling. All the while, the relationship between our national media and political establishment grows ever more tenuous. Ethical considerations and legal concerns include: What duty do journalists have to maintain their ethical standard of investigating and telling "true" news? What are the legal protections for those writers who promote "fake" news for whatever motive? What can citizens and voters do to help find and promote accountable news?

What​ ​You’ll​ ​Take​ ​Away:​ ​Attendees will learn what the “fake news” trend means for political engagement as well as how to help promote accurate digital storytelling.

Why​ ​It​ ​Matters:​ ​The digital age is changing how we engage with and share news. This event is the city’s first-ever conversation aimed at breaking down for Atlantans how social platforms may provide accountability and what “fake news” means for society.

Takeaways​:

  • Hear from news experts on the role the media plays in messaging and “fake news”
  • Learn about the relationship between the media and politics
  • Hear from legal scholars on whether fake news is protected speech
  • Learn how to combat fake news
  • Learn how to engage with digital platforms to minimize fake news

Thank you to our co-sponsors including Jones Day and the Georgia First Amendment Foundation.

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