2 min
Summit examines how democracy can survive a toxic media environment
Journalists, scholars, students and civic leaders from across the U.S. and abroad will explore the evolving relationship between media and democracy May 5-6 at the University of Delaware. The second SNF Ithaca x iMEdD Media and Democracy Summit will examine how we can thrive in a toxic media environment where misinformation spreads, local journalism is in decline and trust in traditional institutions has eroded. The event is co-hosted by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Ithaca Initiative at the University of Delaware, the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration and the incubator for Media Education & Development (iMEdD). The summit will engage participants in urgent conversations about media’s role in shaping informed citizenship and democratic resilience. A selection of confirmed speakers includes: ▪ Carmela Boykin, The Washington Post ▪ Astead W. Herndon, The New York Times ▪ Gianluca Mezzofiore, CNN ▪ Domenico Montanaro, NPR ▪ Tara Palmeri, The Red Letter ▪ Dave Rubin, The Rubin Report Additional speakers include representatives from Media Matters for America, WHYY, Spotlight Delaware, Delaware Public Media, 2Puntos and more. The program will also feature workshops on digital storytelling and short-form video, panels on misinformation, and discussions about rebuilding trust and reimagining journalism for a new generation. The event takes place at the Trabant University Center, 17 W. Main Street, Newark, Del. To cover the summit, contact mediarelations@udel.edu. Timothy Shaffer, SNF Chair of Civil Discourse and associate professor of public policy and administration at UD, is available for interviews in advance of the event. To arrange an interview, visit his profile and click on the contact button. About the SNF Ithaca Initiative SNF Ithaca, an initiative of the University of Delaware's Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy & Administration, seeks to advance democracy by equipping students with the civil discourse and civic engagement skills necessary to navigate the mediated public square. Supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), SNF Ithaca is named after the home of Odysseus—one of Greek mythology's greatest heroes. For Odysseus, Ithaca represents not only the beginning of a journey but the ultimate destination. Likewise, the SNF Ithaca Initiative serves as both the beginning of the Biden School students' journey toward becoming engaged and effective citizens and as the ultimate destination for students across the country to come together and work in partnership to develop policy solutions.
