Can you believe what you read? York media debate will tackle fake news in a post-truth world

Representatives from York media will come together for a debate on the future of journalism in a post-truth world.

The public event will see journalists from print, online, broadcasting and documentary filmmaking offer their insights and views, takes place at the Priory Street Centre on Thursday 9 February at 7.00pm.

The timely debate coincides both with Channel 4’s spotlight on the subject, but a cross-party Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee inquiry, launched last Monday.

Speakers at the York debate are freelance writer and blogger Julian Cole, multi-award-winning student journalist Jack Gevertz and Minster FM news editor David Dunning.

The debate, Have They Got News for You? The future of journalism in a post-truth world, will be chaired by Marcus Romer, former director of York-based Pilot Theatre Company and now a freelance film director.

The panellists have been tasked to tackle the issue of fake news and the challenges for journalism in a culture where opinion is increasingly seen as more relevant than fact.

Leave the echo chamber

Members of the audience will be invited to ask questions and join the discussion, which is organised by former Press columnist Kate Lock on behalf of community group Glass Half Full.

Kate said: “I think it’s really important that we get out of our echo chambers and discuss important issues like this face to face. Glass Half Full is all about encouraging wider conversations and my plan is for this to be the first in a bi-monthly series of debates on current affairs.”

As well as a debate programme, Glass Half Full holds regular smaller-scale meetings in pubs, blending sociability with sharing and planning activities to encourage people to become active in their communities.

The next meetings are this Monday, 30 January, at The Seahorse Hotel, Fawcett Street, York  and Monday 20 February at Angel on the Green on Bishopthorpe Road. Both meetings start at 7.00pm.

Fairer and friendlier

“It’s all about trying to connect and finding ways to empower ourselves and create a fairer, friendlier and more sustainable future,” said Kate.

“Glass Half Full grew out of my feelings of despair about the state of the world following the US presidential election. I had a bit of a rant on Facebook and loads of people responded saying they felt the same way.

“Someone suggested we meet up to talk about what we could do, and that’s how the group started.”

The group currently communicates via a Facebook group, Glass Half Full (York), though plans are afoot to spread the message and broaden the conversations in other ways, including a podcast on YorkMix. Watch this space!