7 September 2018: Prominent Australian journalists and leading researchers will gather at the University of Canberra next week to develop policy responses for citizens and politicians grappling with the spread of misinformation.
Reporters and academics will use asymposium hosted by the University’s News & Media Research Centre to discuss media literacy in the digital age.
Delegates will focus specifically on the Australian and US media landscapes to interrogate scientific approaches to the rise and impact of misinformation, which is facilitated by online networks where people can cut out attitude-challenging content in so-called “echo chambers”.
They’ll use cutting-edge computational methods and real-life case studies to assess what impact misinformation has had on the work of journalists and how it is affecting the public.
Associate Professor of Communication Mathieu O’Neil said the symposium has a dual purpose.
“On one hand, we will be looking at a multiplier effect in the fight against misinformation by gathering in one room leading Australian online network researchers and political communication specialists,” he said.
“On the other, we want to create a dialogue with the press perspective, by bringing in journalists from the main Australian news brands.”
“We have coupled the best in science with respected journalists to share our perspectives, research and experiences. Collectively, we should be able to formulate a plan going forward.”
“The University, with its tradition of peer review and critical scholarship, is ideally positioned to provide a sound footing for a scientific approach that could help inform the public as well as education professionals on how to distinguish facts from misinformation.”
More information, including a full program and list of speakers, is available here.
WHAT: Misinformation and Media Symposium
WHEN: Monday 10 September 2018 – 9am – 4pm
WHERE: Ann Harding Conference Centre (Building 24), University of Canberra (campus map)
For interview opportunities, contact the University of Canberra media team:
Andy Visser: 0414 260 417 | Andy.Visser@canberra.edu.au
Antony Perry: 0434 795 919 | Antony.Perry@canberra.edu.au