Conference explores challenges facing journalism and politics in the wake of rising global populism
The future of journalism and politics was discussed by experts at a ground-breaking conference on Brexit, Trump and the Media at Leicester.
Contributors from the worlds of journalism and academia gathered at the University on 21 February to discuss on-going issues raised by the rise of populism in 2016 and subsequent challenges to journalism and politics.
The conference was a follow-up event to the book Brexit, Trump and the Media, edited by John Mair, Tor Clark, Neil Fowler, Raymond Snoddy and Richard Tait, which was published in July.
Sub-titled ‘A Year of Trump; A Year Until Brexit’ the conference brought together both contributors to the book and academics researching the areas it raised.
Three of the book’s most well-known authors, Jon Snow of Channel 4 News, Mark Thompson, chief executive of the New York Times and Today programme host Nick Robinson, also took part via specially recorded messages.
Conference organiser Tor Clark, Associate Professor in Journalism in the School of Media, Communication and Sociology, said: “The discussions were excellent throughout the day and was hugely enjoyed by the many students and colleagues who attended.
“Four key issues which emerged were questions over the background of Brexit voters; the likelihood President Trump’s electoral success was not isolated and could be repeated in two years’ time; the possible threat to the media from automated social media content; and the continued need for rigour in political journalism.
“It was a fantastic conference and I’d like to thank everyone who helped make it happen and contributed to the event itself as participants or from the audience.”
The conference was organised by Tor Clark and Monica Hingorani from the School of Media, Communication and Sociology, and supported by the university’s external relations division, the School of Media, Communication and Sociology, the Unit for Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement and Abramis Academic Publishing, publisher of Brexit, Trump and the Media.
Copies of the book are available at a discount price of £15 to University of Leicester staff and students by emailing richard@abramis.co.uk