Masterclass on News and Information consumption in the contemporary media environment: Are fact checkers effective?

Introduction

In this Masterclass, we will explore the role of journalism in a healthy democratic society and the challenges presented by the contemporary media environment. With a wide range of news sources available, many people are not well-informed and may even be misinformed. This poses a serious risk to the credibility of news and journalism. Fact checking has emerged as a critical tool to correct misinformation, but its efficacy in the current media ecosystem is in question.

Drawing on the latest research on news audiences, this Masterclass will present two original studies focused on India and the US to assess the effectiveness of fact checking in practice. Through these studies, we will explore how contemporary media contexts shape audiences' amenability to (mis)information.

Whether you are a journalist, media professional, or simply interested in understanding the role of news and information in society, this Masterclass will provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by the current media landscape. Join us to gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between media, information, and democracy.