How True is What I Read in the News and Why Should I Care?

It’s no secret that Americans’ trust in the media has been sharply declining in recent years. There are various reasons for this shift, including the collapse of local news outlets, the rise of disinformation campaigns, and the ideological bifurcation of cable news. To many people, “the media” has an agenda and is biased.

We’ll talk to a panel of local and national journalists to get their side of the story. What goes on in a newsroom to give us faith that the news being reported isn’t fake, but rather is fact-based? What are the ethical standards that journalists adhere to? How do they ensure that their reporting is fair and balanced? How has the rise of social media disrupted the way we consume news?

Together, we’ll learn from these professionals about what makes them journalists, how we can empower and seek out trustworthy journalists, and why it matters that those who deliver the news earn (and keep) our trust.

PANELISTS

The panel will feature:

• Arika Herron - The Indy Star
• Farah Yousry - WFYI, The Indianapolis Recorder
• Erik Wemple - The Washington Post

The conversation will be moderated by Dr. Lee Anne Peck, a specialist in journalism ethics.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

This program is made possible thanks to a partnership between Butler University’s College of Communication, WFYI Public Media, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics.

Grant funding was provided by Indiana Humanities with funds from the American Rescue Plan.