At a time when reputable mainstream news outlets, such as The New York Times and CNN, are routinely condemned for reporting “fake” news, and when reporters are even physically threatened, how are local news reporters and editors navigating this political polarization? What is the media environment in San Antonio? Has disregard for the journalism profession reached San Antonio, impacting its reporters as well as readers, listeners, and viewers? How has this environment shaped the gathering of news and its presentation via social media venues? Has readership and viewership dwindled because people seek “echo chambers,” where they find their own “news” or create their own news? We will explore what factors play into media divides, such as: the impact of social media and technology and readers’ inability to tell fact from fake news, or fact from opinion. More importantly, we will seek to identify steps to improve the dialogue.
Moderator: Elaine Ayala, Reporter/Blogger/Columnist, San Antonio Express-News
Panelists include:
Kym Fox, Associate Professor of Practice–Journalism, Texas State University
Bernice Kearney, News Director, KSAT 12 News
Charlotte-Anne Lucas, Executive Director, NOWCastSA
Denise Barkis Richter, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Communication, Palo Alto College
Francisco Vara-Orta, National Reporter/Data Specialist, Chalkbeat
