2024-11-19 11:28:00
Rome/Vienna/Washington – The situation of the media in the international arena of tension, the division of society through disinformation and growing nationalism were the focus of the annual congress of European journalists (AEJ), which was recently held in Rome. Rita Lofano from the Italian news agency AGI called the election of Republican Donald Trump as the next US president “a turning point for the media as well.”
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#AEJ #Congress #Rome #Trump #election #turning #point #media #Media
What are the key challenges journalists face when reporting on politically charged events?
**Interview with Rita Lofano, Journalist at AGI**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Rita. At the recent AEJ congress in Rome, you mentioned that Donald Trump’s potential re-election could be a “turning point for the media.” Can you elaborate on what you meant by that?
**Rita Lofano:** Absolutely. The media landscape is already grappling with challenges like disinformation and rising nationalism. Trump’s re-election could exacerbate these issues, as his administration has often been at odds with traditional media narratives, leading to increased polarization.
**Interviewer:** Given that disinformation is a growing concern, how can journalists effectively combat it without falling into the trap of biased reporting?
**Rita Lofano:** That’s a vital question. Journalists must adhere to rigorous fact-checking and strive for transparency in their reporting. Engaging with diverse perspectives can also help create a balanced narrative, which is crucial in today’s divided society.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned polarization. Do you believe that the media’s portrayal of political events influences public opinion, or is it the other way around?
**Rita Lofano:** It’s a complex interplay; the media shapes public perception, but public opinion also drives media narratives. As journalists, we have a responsibility to report responsibly and strive to educate the public rather than simply reflecting their biases.
**Interviewer:** As we look ahead to the upcoming elections, how can media outlets foster a more informed electorate despite the challenges they face?
**Rita Lofano:** Media outlets need to prioritize trust-building by providing accurate information and fostering open dialogues. Collaborating with fact-checkers and promoting media literacy among the public are also essential steps.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Rita. One last question for our readers: Do you believe the media can successfully navigate the complexities of reporting in a politically charged environment, or are we heading toward a future where misinformation will outweigh truth in public discourse? We invite you to share your thoughts and engage in this important debate.
