COM 101, 640 Commonwealth Ave
Presented by Seth Lewis, Ph.D; Shirley Papé Chair in Emerging Media,
Director of Journalism, School of Journalism and Communication at the University of Oregon
People rely on knowledge professions like journalism and medicine for expert judgment, trusting these institutions to act ethically. But that trust is breaking down—journalism faces record-low credibility, faith in medicine and higher education is fading, and the notion of shared facts is in question. In this talk, Professor Seth Lewis shares insights from scores of interviews with U.S. adults on why people distrust elites, feel compelled to fact-check on their own (often misguidedly), and view doctors differently from journalists. He also explores how “capital transparency” could help journalists reclaim public trust and authority.
There will be a reception following the lecture in COM 209 from 4:30 - 5:30 pm.