Category: Journalism
Facebook attempts to shut down research exposing ‘political disinformation’ in ad practices, watchdog fights back
“Rather than combat the rampant disinformation and hate on its platform, Facebook has decided to go after the people who are helping voters understand who is trying to influence their votes.” by Kenny Stancil, staff writer…
How to spot (and fight) election misinformation
Leer en español Summary: Disinformation is deliberately created with the intent to cause harm, while misinformation is incorrect information shared by people who believe it to be true. In 2020, dis- and misinformation about voting are…
‘Small Signs’, Flagstaff resident releases documentary on summer of protests in Flagstaff, AZ
by Mac England, video produced by Levi Stallings Friday, October 16 Flagstaff, Ariz This summer there were over 50 marches, actions, and demonstrations in Flagstaff, Arizona sparked as elsewhere in the country by the death…
“It’s actually AOC plus 115”: Ocasio-Cortez corrects Trump on popularity of Green New Deal
“I am so deeply proud and grateful for each and every one of my House and Senate colleagues who stand for our future and champion the Green New Deal,” the progressive standout declared. by Kenny Stancil,…
‘Cruelty was always the plan’: pressed on mass family separations in final debate, Trump smears victims as ‘bad people’
“The Trump immigration agenda is defined by cruelty: it’s responsible for six children dying in cages, forced women into unnecessary surgeries including sterilizations, continued deportation flights in the middle of a pandemic.” by Jake Johnson, staff…
Community Radio on the frontlines
by Wade Rathke October 11, 2020 Pearl River The Grassroots Radio Coalition is a loose confederation of various progressive community radio stations around the country. We got involved with them when, to our surprise, they had…
On grim anniversary of Khashoggi murder, activists project slain Saudi’s image from coast to coast
“We promise you, Jamal, to always tell your story and to fight tirelessly until justice is served.” by Brett Wilkins, staff writer Friday, October 2 Human rights activists with the groups Freedom First and Amnesty International…
Teens want COVID-19 advice that gives them safe ways to socialize – not just rules for what they can’t do
Social interaction can be risky during a pandemic, but it’s also important for young people’s development and mental health. Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images by Tammy Chang, University of Michigan and Matthew Dunn, University of Michigan America’s teens…
Watchdog calls on authorities to drop ‘absurd’ charges against journalists covering Black Lives Matter protests
More than 600 attacks against members of the press covering the ongoing protests have been reported to the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker. by Lisa Newcomb, staff writer Tuesday, August 18 The Committee to Protect Journalists on…
Journalists of Color: Apply for ProPublica’s Emerging Reporters Program
Are you a college student of color interested in doing great journalism? ProPublica wants to help. Apply for our Emerging Reporters Program by Aug. 20. by ProPublica July 30 What is ProPublica’s Emerging Reporters Program? The…
County judge orders journalists to turn over footage to Seattle police
‘Disturbing—and Dangerous’ “This turns journalists into an arm of the government. We are not here to do surveillance for police.” by Eoin Higgins, staff writer Friday, July 24 Journalists and civil liberties advocates alike condemned a…
COVID-19 has ravaged American newsrooms – here’s why that matters
Read all about it: Virus kills off dying industry. Brian Mitchell/Getty Images by Damian Radcliffe, University of Oregon Many newsrooms across the U.S. will be quieter places when journalists return to their workplace after the coronavirus…
Lorenzo Milam: ‘Father’ of community radio has died
by Wade Rathke Wednesday, July 22, 2020 New Orleans Lorenzo Milam has died. Long live Lorenzo Milam! Wikipedia calls Milam an author and activist, which is true as far as it goes, but in many circles,…
Analysis finds Fox News Covid-19 coverage featured misinformation 253 times in just five days
The network, said an MMFA researcher, “downplays the threat of the virus, dismisses the recommendations of public health officials, and misrepresents the scientific consensus on the disease.” by Jessica Corbett, staff writer Friday, July 17 Fox…
Boycott Facebook
by Wade Rathke Little Rock The old saying that “arrogance comes before the fall,” doesn’t set the clock on when it happens, just the inevitability. Facebook, the social media giant and communication hub for the…
How social media amplifies political activism and threatens election integrity
TikTok teens and the Trump campaign by Anjana Susarla, Michigan State University Thursday, July 2 The lower-than-expected attendance at President Trump’s rally in Tulsa on June 20 was attributed, at least in part, to an online…
He built a privately funded border wall and it’s already at risk of falling down.
Trump supporters funded a private border wall on the banks of the Rio Grande, helping the builder secure $1.7 billion in federal contracts. Now the “Lamborghini” of border walls is in danger of falling into…
FEMA warning states not to use COVID-19 testing kits ordered for them.
The faulty lab equipment sold by a company whose owner has faced fraud allegations is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general. by Ryan Gabrielson and J. David McSwane June 26, 2020 The…
Say their names, too
“A video is worth a thousand lives.” by Wade Rathke Pearl River For years the tag line on my blogs and podcasts has been, “You take it from here to there.” It’s time to raise…
ACLU lawsuit accuses police in Minnesota of ‘targeting and attacking journalists’ covering George Floyd protests
“We are facing a full-scale assault on the First Amendment freedom of the press,” said an ACLU attorney. “We will not let these official abuses go unanswered.” by Jessica Corbett, staff writer Wednesday, June 3 The…
This Treasury official Is running the bailout. It’s been great for his family.
Deputy Treasury Secretary Justin Muzinich has an increasingly prominent role. He still has ties to his family’s investment firm, which is a major beneficiary of the Treasury’s bailout actions. by Justin Elliott, Lydia DePillis and Robert…
“Immune to Evidence”: How dangerous Coronavirus conspiracies spread
Conspiratorial videos and websites about COVID-19 are going viral. Here’s how one of the authors of “The Conspiracy Theory Handbook” says you can fight back. One big takeaway: Focus your efforts on people who can hear…
‘Reopen’ protest movement created, boosted by fake grassroots tactics
by Marc Ambinder, University of Southern California, Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism Many Americans have been under strict stay-at-home orders, or at least advisories, for more than a month. People are frustrated and depressed, but…
Pandemic challenges ad-based business models
New Orleans One of the stark realities undergirding a number of industries that has been vividly exposed during the current coronavirus pandemic is the fragility of advertising-based business models that actually power tech giants and…
