Hate in the Headlines: Journalism and the challenge of extremism
Jan 31 2023
WHEN:
Jan 31, 2023 at 1:30pm
CONTACT INFO:
Beth Francesco
MORE INFO:
Journalism Institute
As extremism has increasingly penetrated mainstream politics, journalists, especially political reporters, face new challenges.
Some news organizations have dramatically reframed coverage and created new beats to track the surge in extremism, but fundamental changes are still needed if audiences are to get a full and accurate view of how anti-democratic forces are infusing civic life, from local school board meetings to nationwide elections.
A recent report published by PEN America, Hate in the Headlines, found that without hypervigilance from journalists and editors, propaganda and disinformation can slide into reporters’ stories, especially as extremists deliberately target them to convey their messages to the broader public. But the report also identified lessons learned as journalists have reckoned with this shifting political landscape, and from reporters who have long covered extremism.
Join PEN America and the National Press Club Journalism Institute on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 1:30 p.m. ET for a virtual discussion of how the mainstreaming of political extremism is affecting journalism, and how journalists and newsrooms are–or could be–shifting their practices in response. Registration is open.
Speakers include:
- Hannah Allam, national security reporter focusing on extremism and domestic terrorism, Washington Post
- Natalia Contreras, reporter, Votebeat Texas
- Scott Kraft, editor at large, Los Angeles Times
- Wesley Lowery, journalist, author, and correspondent
- Moderator: Rhema Bland, journalism talent acquisition specialist, McClatchy
Please contact Hannah Waltz with any questions or concerns, including accessibility requests, at [email protected].
About NPCJI
The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged global citizenry through an independent and free press, and equips journalists with skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire a more representative democracy. As the non-profit affiliate of the National Press Club, the Institute powers journalism in the public interest.
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect open expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.