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Use these tips and you won’t be caught sharing ‘fake news’ on social media
Concerned about fake news? Here are eight smart ways to determine if the news content you are seeing on your digital device is legitimate. Look past your personal biases. This is crucial in sorting out news content. We often believe the worst about people or politicians we despise. Those biases can blind us to what… Read more
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In this digital age, too many lack even the most basic media literacy tools
We’ve been spending a lot of time discussing media literacy and fake news in our advanced reporting classes at Fresno State, and my students have been working to increase their skills in identifying phony news content and evaluating the veracity of other sites they encounter online. But as these students gain knowledge on the subject,… Read more
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Boot camp for journalists offers intensive training on California water issues
At the end of our water boot camp for journalists on Friday, participants left thinking about a variation of this theme: “California water policy: It’s complicated.” But after nine intensive workshops throughout the day, most said they are now better prepared to cover water issues in the Golden State. The boot camp at Fresno State… Read more
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Support media literacy by making end-of-the-year donation to the Institute for Media and Public Trust
The end of 2019 is coming fast, and we at the Fresno State Institute for Media and Public Trust would love it if you would consider an end-of-the-year donation so that we can continue our work to increase media literacy and fight fake news. Your donation is tax deductible. To contribute online, go to this… Read more
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Agriculture is huge story in California, but newsrooms around the state aren’t paying attention to the details
UPDATED One of the big challenges for the news business is how to cover California agriculture during a time when there are fewer journalists in newsrooms around the state. Agriculture remains a top industry in California, but coverage mostly revolves around water, environment and immigration. Those are big stories, of course, but there are many… Read more
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As newspapers shrink, other media outlets must spend more time doing watchdog reporting in their communities
UPDATED It’s a bad thing for our democracy when local newspapers must continually cut reporters to stay afloat financially. Those reporters too often were crucial government watchdogs, informing the community about the workings of city hall, school districts and other government agencies. While other local news outlets have stepped up their game to fill the… Read more
Institute for Media and Public Trust at Fresno State 