What is fake news? How is it affecting our democracy and what should we do about it? These are some of the questions that will be discussed on May 16 at a League of Women Voters of Greenwich panel discussion titled “Fake News, Alternative Facts and the Future of Mainstream Media.” The event is co-sponsored by Greenwich Library and will feature journalists Gretchen Carlson, Amy Davidson and Lizzie O’Leary. Media lawyer and First Amendment expert, Lynn Oberlander, will moderate.
The forum is timely since the issue of “fake news” has been in the headlines almost daily since the 2016 election period. According to Jill Oberlander, League Board Member and Program Co-Chair, “The League thinks it is important to discuss whether and how fake news has impacted Americans’ trust in government and public institutions, including the mainstream media. The dissemination of false information via social media can be confusing, leaving many people wondering what to believe. This discussion will consider how mainstream media can respond and what it will take to regain citizens’ confidence.” Sheila Mehta, League Board Member and Program Committee Member, added, “It seems the country is so divided right now that even verifiable facts are not trusted.”
The League has assembled a panel of accomplished journalists to tackle this issue, including Greenwich resident Gretchen Carlson, the host of top-rated Fox and Friends for more than seven years. She is also an author and advocate for workplace equality and female empowerment. Joining her will be Lizzie O’Leary, a Peabody award-winning journalist who currently hosts Marketplace Weekend after roles at CNN, NPR and Bloomberg TV, and Amy Davidson, a 20-year writer and editor for The New Yorker who brings the perspective of print journalism to the panel. Moderating the panel will be highly regarded first amendment lawyer, Lynn Oberlander. Currently the General Counsel of Gizmodo Media Group, Ms. Oberlander previously served as General Counsel to The New Yorker and held key roles at First Look Media, Forbes and NBC.
“The press has been under siege lately. Citizens of all political persuasions should consider the important role that a free press serves in our democracy. This discussion is timely and vital for all,” said Lynn Oberlander.
The event is being held at the Greenwich Library in the Cole Auditorium on Tuesday, May 16. Refreshments start at 6:40 p.m. and the program will run from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is free, but registration is requested at eventbrite.com/e/fake-news-alternative-facts-and-the-future-of-mainstream-media-tickets-34310188698. Once registered, attendees will have the chance to submit questions for the panelists.
