TORONTO — A new webcast series exploring the critical role of journalism in the Covid-19 crisis is being launched by the Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) and will be hosted by award-winning broadcaster Anna Maria Tremonti (pictured), host of the CBC podcast More.
The first webcast in the series is Recognizing Disinformation Amidst Covid-19, Thursday, April 9 at 1 p.m. ET, and featuring Jane Lytvynenko, senior reporter with BuzzFeed News. In conversation with Tremonti, Lytvynenko (who regularly tracks online lies and misinformation) will explore the online rumours, fake texts and propaganda fuelling panic and anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic as well as driving people to false cures that have led to death, says the news release. To register for the webcast, please click here.
This series of free 40-minute webcasts comes at a time when a large majority of Canadians believe they will be exposed to misinformation about the coronavirus before the pandemic is behind us, according to CJF’s recent poll conducted by Maru/Matchbox. These webcasts are part of the CJF’s J-Talks series, which explores pressing media issues.
“Offering J-Talks through this new webinar series reflects the CJF’s ongoing commitment to working together for better journalism,” said Natalie Turvey, CJF president and executive director. “This program pivot to the web is based on audience feedback around the need to stay connected in discussing pressing news coverage issues and its importance to democracy at a time when journalism matters more than ever. We’re grateful to Anna Maria and to our featured speakers for lending their time and expertise to the series.”
André Picard, award-winning health reporter and columnist for The Globe and Mail, will be featured on the next webcast in the series on April 23.
