Media Coverage Of The Pandemic | Conspiracy Theories (R)

Segment 1, beginning at 1:00: Where 16 months of coronavirus coverage has left journalists and news consumers alike.

In a review of the job news media is doing reporting on COVID-19, we consider whether American coverage is too bleak, if the press has been equitable or if it’s missing important perspectives, what role media has in advocating vaccinations and how good a job have journalists done in addressing misinformation.

Segment 2, beginning at 27:23: What once existed on the fringe of popular culture has become a tool for the political mainstream.

Just a few decades ago, conspiracy theories meant aliens visiting our planet or Bigfoot sightings in the Northwest. Today it could mean fake news scandals accelerated by social media and championed by commentators like Alex Jones or groups like QAnon resulting in politically motivated action.

The interview with Prof. Geoff Dancy originally aired on May 26, 2021.

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