Navigating the Changing Information Landscape
Sponsored by Sage
Recorded on 10/14/2024
Posted in The Authority File
Episode 402
In the second episode of this four-part series, our guests explore the transformation of the information landscape. First, Dan Chibnall, STEM Librarian & Associate Professor of Librarianship at Drake University, reviews how fake news has impacted the presentation of news and information—anyone else notice the live fact-checking at the recent presidential debate? Then, Nick Anstead, Associate Professor in the Department of Media and Communications at the London School of Economics, examines the expanded range of today’s news sources, which leads to increased competition and pressures on traditional news media. Compounded by our data-driven environment, these pressures contribute to the prioritization of stories that garner the most public interest (and clicks) and subscriber-based content that restricts access to trusted sources.
Next, Nick highlights the history and recent developments in public opinion polling, underscoring that the interpretation of polling data is a skill that journalists may lack. Last, Dan dives into the role of scientists to educate the public on current research. Stressing the value of building trust in science, Dan explains the need for science communicators, or “SciCommers,” who can translate ingroup language into digestible, actionable information for the public, most effective at the local level.
About the guests:
Nick Anstead
Associate Professor, Department of Media and Communication
London School of Economics
Nick Anstead is an Associate Professor in the Department of Media and Communication at the London School of Economics, where his research focuses on elections, comparative politics and political communication. He is the author of the book What Do We Know and What Should We Do About Fake News (2021) and has had work published in leading journals including Political Studies, The International Journal of Press/Politics, and the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication. Nick is a regular commentator on elections and politics in the media. He tweets @nickanstead and is on Bluesky @nickanstead.bsky.social.
Dan Chibnall
STEM Librarian & Associate Professor of Librarianship
Drake University
Dan Chibnall is the STEM Librarian & Associate Professor of Librarianship at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa in the United States. Dan teaches classes in science research, science communication, science fiction, the relationship between science & democracy, and misinformation in the 21st century. He has also co-authored articles on helping K-12 students to understand scientific concepts through active learning techniques. Dan is active in supporting Iowa libraries, having served as the President of both the Iowa Library Association as well as the Iowa chapter of the Association of College & Research Libraries. He posts on Bluesky as @bookowl.bsky.social.
Enjoy the episode? Listen to the rest of the series:
- Definitions, Uses, and Current Contexts for “Fake News”
- Instruction, Regulation, and Solutions for Today’s Information and Political Environment
- AI-Generated Misinformation, Fact-Checking Trends, and Political Education for Students
Check out our previous series with Sage:
– Librarian Skills Landscape Report and Overview
– The Intersection of Critical Thinking Skills and AI
– Building Skills for Student Success
– Understanding the Undergraduate Workflow
– Spotlighting Academic Library Innovation
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