Media and Democracy: Finding Facts in the Mess of Misinformation | Lisa Remillard | TEDxBillings

Summary

Journalist Lisa Rard emphasizes the critical distinction between opinions and facts, urging audiences to approach media with skepticism. She discusses the evolution of journalism and its impact on democracy, highlighting the role of the audience in perpetuating misinformation. Rard advocates for a return to critical thinking, fact-checking, and consuming news from diverse sources to ensure a well-informed electorate and a healthy democracy.

Takeaways

• 📢 Opinions and feelings are not equivalent to facts, and disliking a fact doesn't make it false.
• 🚫 Misinformation is a real threat, and it's crucial to distinguish it from the work of real journalists.
• 👩‍💼 Lisa Rard, a professional journalist for over 20 years, emphasizes the importance of starting with facts first.
• 📉 Polarization has made it challenging to have honest conversations based on facts, which is a red flag for democracy.
• 📺 The media landscape has evolved significantly, from print to broadcast to social media, impacting how information is shared.
• 💡 Consumers of media must take responsibility for what they consume and share, as it affects the health of democracy.
• 🧠 Critical thinking is essential for discerning real news from misinformation, but it's often lacking in the audience.
• 🚨 A single piece of information or a headline should not be taken as the whole truth; it's important to seek out the full story.
• 📈 The 24-hour news cycle and the internet have increased the volume of news, but not all of it is factual or neutral.
• 🌐 Online sources, including social media influencers, may not provide accurate or neutral information, so verification is key.
• 🗳️ Misinformation can influence voting patterns and government, which is why it's vital for citizens to be well-informed.

Q & A

What is the main message Lisa Rard is trying to convey in her speech?

Lisa Rard emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between facts and opinions, and the role of critical thinking in consuming media. She urges consumers to start with facts first and to be wary of misinformation, recognizing that both the media and the public have responsibilities in maintaining a healthy democracy.

Why does Lisa Rard believe that the current polarization in society is a red flag?

Lisa Rard sees the current polarization as a red flag because it's become difficult for people to have honest conversations about basic facts, often leading to the dismissal of information that doesn't align with pre-existing beliefs, which is detrimental to a functioning democracy.

What does Lisa Rard suggest is the role of the media in a democracy?

Lisa Rard suggests that the media plays a crucial role in a democracy by bringing hidden issues to light and allowing citizens to express their opinions on those matters, which is protected by the First Amendment.

How does Lisa Rard describe the evolution of the media and its impact on society?

Lisa Rard describes the media's evolution from print to radio, television, cable, and social media, noting that while this has increased the accessibility of information, it has also led to the spread of misinformation and a decrease in critical thinking among consumers.

What does Lisa Rard identify as a key issue contributing to the spread of misinformation?

Lisa Rard identifies the lack of critical thinking tools among media consumers as a key issue, as people struggle to differentiate between real facts and opinions or misinformation.

Why does Lisa Rard argue that consumers of media should not solely rely on information that confirms their biases?

Lisa Rard argues that relying solely on information that confirms one's biases can lead to a distorted view of reality and a lack of exposure to diverse perspectives, which is essential for informed decision-making and a healthy democracy.

What advice does Lisa Rard give for evaluating the credibility of news sources, especially on social media?

Lisa Rard advises consumers to question the source of information, check for reputable origins, and consider whether the information is presented with full context and from multiple perspectives to evaluate its credibility.

How does Lisa Rard differentiate between a real journalist and other media figures?

Lisa Rard differentiates real journalists by their commitment to providing the who, what, when, where, why, and how of a story with proper attribution, as opposed to commentators or influencers who may be sharing opinions or speculations.

What does Lisa Rard suggest is the responsibility of the audience in the age of misinformation?

Lisa Rard suggests that the audience has a responsibility to be smarter about where they get their information, how they process it, and how they share it, to counteract the spread of misinformation and contribute to a more informed society.

Why does Lisa Rard consider the headline or lead of a news story as insufficient for forming an opinion?

Lisa Rard considers headlines or leads as attention-grabbing devices that are not meant to provide the full story. They are designed to provoke an emotional response to entice viewers to engage with the complete content, not to form opinions based on incomplete information.

What is Lisa Rard's view on the impact of the 24-hour news cycle on the quality and consumption of news?

Lisa Rard views the 24-hour news cycle as a contributor to the volume of news and misinformation, suggesting that it has led to the need to fill airtime with commentary and analysis, which can confuse viewers by blurring the lines between factual reporting and opinion.