This program will explore: The role of a trustworthy news media in a democracy and how to identify and combat mis- and dis-information on the internet, digital platforms, and via AI. New, original research survey findings will also be presented showing how much "trust in elections" U.S. citizens have in 2024, and what might be done to build civic connections and legitimacy in this environment.

The first cataclysm in American news media took place nearly 30 years ago when the Federal Communications Commission deregulated the ownership of broadcast stations and newspapers, leading to a massive consolidation of news organizations with large corporations taking over here-to-for smaller, independent outlets. A few years later, the advent of the internet sparked a second convulsion with a flood of free “news” destroying the financial viability of many independent newspapers. In the last 20 years, the U.S. has lost close to 3,000 local newspapers or about one-third of all independent news outlets. The spread of news deserts also has fueled extremism and local divisions, fracturing local communities. Now, the World Wide Web allows both domestic actors and foreign powers to spread misinformation, fake news and propaganda. This is particularly troubling during an election year.