In 1798 James Madison wrote of the press: “To the press alone, checkered as it is with abuses, the world is indebted for all the triumphs which have been gained by reason and humanity over error and oppression.” But as the 2020 election cycle heats up it will be in the context of historical turbulence in the field of journalism — with the very definition of who is media in question, and even our understanding of fact and reality itself in doubt. The event will articulate the direct connection between the media and the exercise of the franchise of citizenship — we’ll empower participants to articulate their personal priorities in voting, convey their expectations of the media in performing its constitutional role, and we’ll contemplate the fundamental responsibilities of citizenship in a democracy.
Potential panelists: Local journalist, ideally from diverse ideological perspectives (maybe from a local news TV station and the local newspaper).
