The president of the United States calls journalists the “enemy of the people” and describes any probing question as “nasty.”

Most Americans say they have lost trust in the media.

Members of the public are shunning real news for conspiracy theories.

And in the wake of George Floyd’s death, dozens of journalists covering demonstrations were shot at, manhandled, gassed or arrested.

In a day and age when truth is needed as never before, journalists must build trust, battle misinformation, defend their work and reassert the importance of the profession.

In a 90-minute Zoom panel discussion and Q&A on July 23, the Northern Illinois Newspaper Association will feature leading thinkers on measures journalists can take to build trust among their audiences, and when and how they should defend their work.

The online Zoom event is set for 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 23. To register, click this link.

Building Trust And Defending Journalism

• When: 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23
• Where: Click this link to Zoom meeting on day of event.
• To Register: Click this link.

Panelists

Joy Mayer, founder of the Trusting News project, will talk about “Journalists: Defend your work through action, not just with editorials.”

Louisiana State University Professor Raymond J. Pingree will talk about his research: Checking facts and fighting back: Why journalists should defend their profession.

Susan Benkelman, director of accountability journalism at the American Press Institute, will talk about “Getting it Right: Strategies for truth-telling in a time of misinformation and polarization.”

John Lampinen, senior vice president of Paddock Publications and editor of the Daily Herald, will talk about the news organization’s ongoing “Facts Matter” campaign to help its audience see inside the newsroom and understand not just the reporting process but also why responsible, professional journalism is so vital.

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