Media Disinformation:
Why it matters and what to do about it
In this webinar forum you’ll participate in a lively discussion with our speakers about
What disinformation is and how it affects our civic lives
What media changes have led to the growth of disinformation
How to spot disinformation
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The resource guide will be posted a week before the forum.
A recording of the webinar will be posted on our YouTube channel after the forum.
A post-forum discussion will be held via Zoom several days after the forum. Details and a sign-up will be forthcoming.
Speakers
Living in a world of disinformation
Mike Wagner
Michael W. Wagner is the William T. Evjue Distinguished Chair for the Wisconsin Idea at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he is Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication and the Director of the Center for Communication and Civic Renewal. He studies how people’s use of the information ecology affects what they believe is true, what they want from their government, and how they participate in political and civic activities. His books have been published by Cambridge University Press, Congressional Quarterly Press, and Sage. He has published research articles in journals like Science, Political Communication, and Annual Review of Political Science. A winner of five university-wide teaching awards and four international top paper awards, Wagner earned his Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and the University of Nebraska and his Ph.D. in political science at Indiana University. A former news reporter, Wagner has also won public service awards for the more than 300 public talks and 40 public-facing research-based op-eds he has written to share the Wisconsin Idea.
What are the changes in the media landscape that impact disinformation?
Young Mie Kim
Young Mie Kim is a Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Professor of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and the Department of Political Science (Faculty Affiliate). Kim’s research concerns the distribution of public information and representation in civic engagement in the data-driven, algorithm-based, microtargeted information environment. Her recent research project, Project DATA (Digital Ad Tracking & Analysis), empirically investigates the sponsors, content, and targets of digital political campaigns across multiple platforms, using a user-based, real-time ad tracking tool that reverse-engineers the algorithms of political campaigns. Kim’s works have been published in the Journal of Politics, Nature, Political Communication, and Science, among others. Kim was among the first to discover Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election, including Russian operations’ targeted voter suppression campaigns. Kim testified at the Federal Election Commission‘s hearings on the rulemaking of internet communication disclaimers and presented Congressional briefings on election interference on social media. Her research on Russian election interference in the US presidential election was cited by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Kim spoke at the European Parliament about her research on data-driven political advertising and inequality in political involvement.
What steps should we take to be more effective media consumers?
Martín Alvarado
Martín Alvarado is the Community Engagement Librarian for Business and Technology at the Madison Public Library. Along with his colleagues in the Reference Department, he assists people daily in resolving their information needs by ensuring privacy, helping evaluate information sources, and providing access to a wide range of ideas. Martín also assists community members in their understanding of the online environment. This includes supporting the development of basic skills, providing practical tips on navigating content, and helping understand the larger context in which information exists.
Moderator
Carol Koby
An experienced broadcaster, speaker, and moderator, LWV of Dane County member Carol Koby has had an extensive career in communications, most recently as Executive Producer/Host of the long-running radio program All About Living and moderator of the cable television program Picture of Health for UW Health. A pioneer in television journalism, Carol was the first Women’s Director at WITI-TV, Milwaukee, and served in many on-air roles at WKOW-TV in Madison. Carol continues to use her public speaking skills by moderating in-person and Zoom meetings and the first-ever podcasts for the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin.