The American Forum: Fact Checking: A Dying Tradition?
Tue., Mar. 18 at 7 p.m.
A recent study by the Center for Public Integrity identified 935 false statements made by leading members of the Bush administration in the two years following 9/11, about the national security threat posed by Iraq.
Audio archive
Many of these statements were relayed to the public via the stalwarts of the American media. The big newspapers, network and cable television news, and authoritative websites.
They doubtless played a huge role in persuading the public and the politicians to support the subsequent invasion.
But now that we know many of the claims made were wrong, how has the media responded?
In the 24/7 news cycle, and the internet age, has the time-honored journalist's tradition of fact-checking gone by the wayside in the rush to be first?
How does the media safeguard itself from political spin or false claims?
What steps do the media have in place to ensure the truth of what we read and hear?
How are consumers to know who to believe?
The American Forum
Live event
Tue., Mar. 18 at 7 p.m.
Ward 1
Ward Circle Building
American University
Taped broadcast
Sun., Mar. 23 at 6 p.m. on WAMU 88.5
Panelists:
- Roger Arnoff, Media Analyst, Accuracy in Media
- Michael Dobbs, Staff Writer, "The Fact Checker," The Washington Post
- Chuck Lewis, Founding President, the Fund for Independence in Journalism and Distinguished Journalist in Residence, American University School of Communication
- Michael Massing, Journalist and Author of "Iraq: Now They Tell Us"
Moderator: Mark McDonald
For more information, contact the School of Communication at 202-885-2074 or go to their website.
An American Forum is sponsored by Laird B. Anderson and Florence H. Ashby.
