GBH Media Summit Schedule

Among the casualties of the growing political and societal chasms are many once revered sources of credible information. From academic ivory towers to scientific institutions and think tanks, there are fewer mutually agreed-upon sentinels of trustworthy knowledge for a divided public. Leading academic and journalistic experts will unpack why public trust in large institutions has decayed–and what makes false information so attractive to consumers. Journalism must confront the concrete dangers that emerge when factually inaccurate media is utilized as a catalyst for anti-democratic activity.

Introduction:
Caitlin Saks, Senior Producer, NOVA, GBH

Moderator:
John Avlon, Journalist, Author, News Anchor, Media Executive

Presenters:
Naomi Oreskes, Henry Charles Lea Professor of the History of Science, Harvard University
Renée DiResta, Associate Research Professor, Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy
Meg Marco, Senior Director (Acting), Applied Social Media Lab, Berkman Klein Center, Harvard University
Matthew Facciani, Postdoctoral Researcher, The University of Notre Dame

How can the media enhance empathy and tolerance at the intersections of faith and civic life? The common problems faced by American communities might be more effectively communicated through contextual storytelling that fosters understanding and cooperation across faiths. As political and religious divides increase, faith-based civic leaders will discuss how they are working across religious traditions to build bridges, reduce polarization and strengthen democracy.

Introduction:
Kerri Hoffman, President & CEO, PRX

Moderator:
Ann Curry, Award-winning Journalist

Presenters:
Amy Spitalnick, CEO, Jewish Council for Public Affairs
Maya Berry, Executive Director, Arab American Institute
Timothy Head, President & CEO, Unify.US
David DeSteno, Professor of Psychology & Host of How God Works, Northeastern University

At colleges and universities nationwide, threats to the First Amendment and press freedom are yielding efforts to silence or criminalize the free speech of students and faculty. The push to overturn New York Times Company v. Sullivan, coupled with targeted attacks on journalists and media organizations who refuse to succumb to political pressure, requires a thoughtful strategy, and panelists will offer insights for navigating current threats to the First Amendment.

Introduction:
Debra Adams Simmons, Editor-in-Chief, Special Editorial Projects, GBH

Moderator:
Martha Minow, 300th Anniversary University Professor, Harvard University

Presenters:
Jacob Mchangama, Founder & Executive Director, The Future of Free Speech
Samantha Barbas, Professor of Law & Aliber Family Chair in Law, University of Iowa, College of Law
Joel Simon, Founding Director, Journalism Protection Initiative at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, CUNY
Jelani Cobb, Dean and Henry R. Luce Professor of Journalism, Columbia Journalism School
Michael Giarusso, Vice President, News Strategy, The Associated Press

The profound fractures in American society today offer both a challenge and an opportunity for the chroniclers of the “first draft of history.” Rising levels of division require journalists to identify and authentically amplify voices and perspectives across communities, and media leaders can no longer afford to remain at arm’s length. This session will examine the intersection of objective journalism and contribution to community well-being and explore how media can help mitigate polarization through the stories we frame, voices we include, and our own engagement.

Introduction:
Julia Cort, NOVA Co-Executive Producer, GBH

Opening Remarks:
Aaron Tang and John Bredar

Moderator:
Brian McGrory, Chair, Department of Journalism - College of Communication, Boston University

Presenters:
Sunshine Hillygus, Professor of Political Science & Co-Director, Polarization Lab, Duke University
Aaron Tang, Moderator of Deadlock & Professor of Law; University of California, Davis
Christa Case Bryant, Editor, Christian Science Monitor
Charlie Sykes, Author, “To the Contrary”

Faced with the double barrels of rampant misinformation and rapidly waning public trust in media, can transparency help clear the clouds of skepticism for audiences? This panel will explore the crucial role of authentic, proactive transparency in building stronger, more trustworthy connections. Topics will include the ethical challenges of reporting, methods for clear and accountable storytelling, and how transparency in decision-making and sourcing can strengthen journalism.

Introduction:
Sally Lehrman, Chief Executive, Trust Project

Moderator:
Raney Aronson-Rath, Editor-in-Chief and Executive Producer, PBS Frontline

Presenters:
Jelani Cobb, Dean and Henry R. Luce Professor of Journalism, Columbia Journalism School
Charles Ornstein, Managing Editor, Local, ProPublica
Erin Texeira, Senior Editor, Local Journalism Initiative, PBS FRONTLINE
Deb Roy, Director & Principal Investigator, MIT Center for Constructive Communication

The rise of social media influencing and independent newsrooms has yielded a powerful message: diverse communities are no longer willing to wait for authentic, sustained representation in legacy newsrooms. How can the media nurture authentic community relationships and build trust during a period of anti-DEI backlash? This session will unpack the strategies and commitments required to meet the needs and expectations of the entire community.

Introduction:
Yemisi Oloruntola-Coates, Chief Inclusion Officer, GBH

Moderator:
Paris Alston, Host, GBH News Rooted

Panelists:
Amber Payne, Publisher & General Manager, The Emancipator
Jeneé Osterheldt, Deputy Managing Editor for culture, talent, and development, The Boston Globe
Ron Mitchell, Publisher, Bay State Banner
Edosa Osemwegie

Fireside Chat:
Maria Ressa, CEO & 2021 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Rappler
Anne Marie Lipinski, Curator, Nieman Foundation for Journalism, Harvard University

Local markets are experimenting with a broad range of innovative audience outreach ideas ripe to be replicated. This discussion will feature content and civic engagement projects across public media that can help strengthen community connections and restore trust in the stories and issues amplified by local media.

Introduction:
Tina Cassidy, Chief Marketing Officer, GBH

Moderator:
Dan Lothian, Editor-in-Chief, GBH News and The World

Presenters:
Rich Homberg, President and CEO, Detroit PBS
Amy Shaw, President and CEO, Nine PBS
Courtney Pledger, Executive Director & CEO, Arkansas PBS

Increasingly, creative disruptors aren’t waiting to be invited to sit at legacy media and creative tables. They’re bringing their own chairs to spaces that more broadly reflect the communities they live in. In this session, visionary leaders bridging the worlds of entertainment, communication, and technology address how storytelling in film, digital, documentary and short-form video and live events creates pathways to empathy that support increased social cohesion and civic engagement.

Introduction:
Alexi Cohan, Digital Producer, GBH

Moderator:
Cameo George, Executive Producer, American Experience, GBH

Presenters:
Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh, Writer, Digital Strategist & Cultural Commentator
Steven Olikara, President, Bridge Entertainment Labs
John Priddy, CEO & Co-founder, Windrider Institute
Bill Hildebolt, Executive Chairman & Co-founder, gen.video

Empathy and contextual insights are important tools for building understanding and bringing people together, and media practitioners can leverage them to nurture innovative, sustainable growth. Leaders whose work centers on embracing human complexity will explain how journalists and media leaders can develop a more organic, sustainable mechanism for amplifying the different ways of being human.

Introduction:
Edgar B. Herwick III, Host of GBH’s Curiosity Desk

Presenter:
Sebene Selassie, Writer & Meditation Teacher
Diana McLain Smith, Founder and Author, Remaking the Space Between Us
Charles Eisenstein, Author

Local “news deserts” are growing exponentially across America–and the absence of fact-based local news and information providers is directly contributing to the rise of misinformation and information manipulation. The end result? Where local news is weaker, polarization is deeper. Philanthropic investment in local journalism is fueling efforts to build better-informed communities, enhance trust, and strengthen democracy From the American Journalism Project to Press Forward, independent, non-partisan news organizations are helping to fill the void in local news. We will examine the impact.

Introduction:
Katerina Eva Matsa, Director, News and Information Research, Pew Research Center

Moderator:
Jim Brady, Vice President of Journalism, Knight Foundation

Presenters:
Dale Anglin, Director, Press Forward
Andrea Bruce, Photographer & Educator
Sarabeth Berman, Chief Executive Officer, American Journalism Project
Stephen Engelberg, Editor In Chief, ProPublica

Young people today are rejecting many of the hard-wired tropes that dictate how business, civic life, policy and media operate. They are creating and disseminating content that reflects their lived experiences, and as a result, their fight for democracy takes on a different form. This panel explores the dynamic work happening across the country to enhance citizenship and engagement through amplifying a broader range of voices.

Introduction:
John Bredar, Vice President for National Programming

Moderator:
Sophie Beren, Founder & CEO, The Conversationalist

Presenters:
Elizabeth Clay Roy, CEO, Generation Citizen
Kenny Andejeski, Strategist & Facilitator, why [here] matters
Lauren Bash, Content Creator, @ReLauren
Kei Kawashima-Ginsberg, Affiliate, Jonthan M. Tisch College of Civic Life, Tufts University
Martina Guzmán, Director of the Race and Justice Reporting Initiative at the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights, Wayne State University Law School

The 2024 U.S. election made one thing clear: social media influencers play a stronger role than ever before in shaping public opinion. Their ability to connect with audiences, identify trends or quickly pivot illustrates a level of resilience and reinvention that legacy media would benefit from adopting. From tone to timing, this conversation will explore how to effectively partner with these viral voices and avoid ethical pitfalls.

Introduction:
Tory Starr, Senior Director, Digital Content, GBH

Opening Remarks:
Julia Angwin, Founder, Proof News

Panel Moderator:
Liz Kelly Nelson, Founder Project C

Panelists:
Matt Shearer, Reporter, WBZ NewsRadio
Carmella Boykin, TikTok Host/Producer, The Washington Post
Lisa Remillard, "The News Girl" @lisaremillard