In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we chat with Neil Brown, president of the Poynter Institute for Media Studies, for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolution of journalism and the growing challenge of misinformation. Neil explores how the 24/7 news cycle and the rise of social media have accelerated the spread of false information, and why the role of investigative journalism remains essential in a democratic society. From the history and eventual decline of the Fairness Doctrine to the present-day influence of AI, Neil discusses how journalists can adapt to technological disruption without compromising ethics, how fact-checking empowers audiences, and why media literacy is more crucial than ever.

Key Points:

• Misinformation Has Always Existed — but Its Reach and Speed Are Unprecedented: The rise of social media and the 24/7 news cycle has supercharged the spread of false information, making it harder for audiences to separate fact from fiction.
• Media Literacy Empowers Consumers: Audiences must take an active role in questioning sources, understanding different types of news, and pausing before sharing information.
• AI Brings Both Challenges and Possibilities for Journalism: Ethical and transparent use of AI can strengthen reporting and efficiency, but it also poses risks to trust and authenticity if not carefully managed.
• Neil Brown, president of the Poynter Institute for Media Studies
• LinkedIn
• X
• The Poynter 50
• Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedIn

🚀 Calling all Earthlings…

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