A panel of journalists and media experts will conduct a roundtable discussion on “Fake News, the First Amendment and Democracy” Wednesday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m. at Rye Community Synagogue. The panel’s aim is to help news consumers learn how to be savvy interpreters and responsible sharers of the news stories they’re bombarded with on a daily basis and reflect on the value of a free press.
Participants include:
- Heather Cabot, professor at Columbia Journalism School and former ABC News correspondent and anchor
- Taegan Goddard, founder of the political website, Political Wire
- Chris Vlasto, executive producer of “Good Morning America”
- Diana Williams, reporter and anchor for WABC-TV’s “Eyewitness News”
- Lee Woodruff, author and contributing reporter for “CBS This Morning”, will moderate
Panelists will provide expertise on distinguishing real news from fake news, suggest ways to get out of our “news bubbles,” discuss the media’s response to the challenges reporters are facing in the current political climate and highlight its role in ensuring a healthy democracy, among other topics.
“Americans are all talking about fake news,” says Andi Hessekiel, a journalist and organizer of the panel. “We are fortunate to have several respected journalists living in our community who are willing to discuss these issues and how they affect the government and our democracy. It should be a really interesting evening.”
The event is free of charge but registration is required to attend. Go to https://fakenewsmediapanel.eventbrite.com.
The discussion is made possible by We Persist, a local grassroots organization that sprang from this year’s Women’s March.
Heather Cabot, professor at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and former ABC News correspondent and anchor
Taegan Goddard, founder of the political website, Political Wire
Chris Vlasto, Executive Producer of Good Morning America
Diana Williams, reporter and anchor for WABC-TV’s Eyewitness News
Lee Woodruff, author and contributing reporter for CBS This Morning, will moderate
