In today's deeply polarized society, finding common ground can seem insurmountable. Yet, John Avlon, a Democrat, and Margaret Hoover, a Republican, offer a refreshing perspective on finding common ground. In their one-on-one conversation, "Bridging Divides at Home and Beyond," they demonstrate that empathy and shared values promote a healthier public discourse. As a couple who navigates their differing political affiliations daily, they strive to remember that "people matter even more than politics." This approach is crucial not only for personal relationships but also for preserving the health of democracy. A significant point raised by Avlon and Hoover was the need for balanced and respectful engagement with differing political ideas. They spoke about the importance of not demonizing opponents and maintaining an assumption of goodwill. This was exemplified in their approach to political discussions at home, where they focus on shared values and constructive dialogue. By concentrating on common ground and valuing each other's perspectives, they illustrate how it is possible to engage in respectful conversations even in an era of hyper-partisanship.

A central theme of their conversation was upholding core democratic principles and fostering a sense of community. The importance of "suspending disbelief and engaging" with opposing viewpoints was discussed, emphasizing that "every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle." Civil discourse serves as the foundation for this belief. Acceptance of differing views extends beyond politics; it cuts across other areas of our daily lives where we disagree because of the values and beliefs we hold dear. I lived for more than three decades in Nigeria and have first-hand experience of how religious differences have created tensions among families and communities, leading to harmful consequences. The call is for all of us, not only in America but around the world, to ingrain a culture of civil discourse that allows us to disagree without harming or disrespecting each other. Strengthening the guardrails of democracy involves political reforms and a commitment to the idea that there is "more that unites us than divides us." The conversation also touched on the role of media in amplifying extreme voices and the potential for reforming algorithms to promote healthier discourse and combat digital disinformation that's being used to weaken our democracy. Avlon and Hoover emphasized the importance of civics education, public service, and creating spaces for robust yet respectful debates as essential steps in bridging societal divides.

As autocratic regimes rise and sophisticated misinformation campaigns spread globally, the need for an adaptive press has never been more critical. In a one-on-one conversation on Global Perspectives on Media and Democracy, Nic Dawes, Executive Director of The City NYC, and Marina Walker Guevara, Executive Editor of the Pulitzer Center, addressed some of journalism's significant challenges. They highlighted key strategies for journalists to navigate and counter these threats, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and independence of the media. Marina highlighted a stark reality: "70% of the world's population lives under autocratic rule," emphasizing the urgent need for journalism to evolve. One urgent action required is for journalists to move beyond traditional practices and embrace radical collaboration. Marina stated, "You need a network to fight a network," stressing the importance of pooling resources and expertise to address complex, global issues. This collaboration is essential to counteract the engineered misinformation seen in elections worldwide. As we navigate what Marina described as an "Olympic year for democracy," with 64 critical elections happening worldwide in 2024, journalism's role is more crucial than ever.

Marina emphasized that in these dangerous times, journalists must stand together more forcefully than ever before, learning from colleagues in the global South who have shown exemplary solidarity in the face of adversity. Another crucial point was the need for journalists to maintain fierce independence and ethical integrity amidst growing pressures. Marina insisted, "Journalism is not opposition. Journalism is journalism," highlighting the importance of preserving trust and countering the narrative that journalism is biased. Nic and Marina also discussed the importance of proactively engaging with audiences who have become disillusioned or tuned out. Innovative approaches, like the Pulitzer Center's support for printing informational cards in multiple languages to reach underserved communities, show how journalism can rebuild trust and relevance. Nic noted that combining accountability with service-oriented journalism can enhance trust in investigative reporting, demonstrating that accountability reporting and investigative reporting should not be distinct from service reporting and community engagement.

In a world where the media is trying to remake the president and the president is trying to change the media landscape, a topic like "Media and the Presidency" is of immense importance, says Valerie Biden Owens, Chair of the Biden Institute, as she introduced the one-on-one conversation between a CNN presidential historian, Douglas Brinkley, and Timothy Shaffer, SNF Ithaca Director and SNF Chair of Civil Discourse at the Biden School. One of the central themes that emerged from the conversation was the role of the Fourth Estate in shaping presidential legacies and ensuring accountability. Brinkley emphasized the necessity of a free press in a functioning democracy, stressing, "Without a free press, our democracy is doomed." This expression depicts the relationship between presidential power and media influence, a dynamic crucial in elevating and challenging leaders from Theodore Roosevelt to modern-day presidents. The historical perspective provided by Brinkley highlighted key moments where media advancements, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt's fireside chats during the Great Depression, transformed public perception and presidential communication. Roosevelt's innovative use of radio to directly address the American people established a new paradigm for presidential engagement, making his voice "the voice of democracy." John F. Kennedy's savvy use of television, particularly during the 1960 presidential debates, which enabled him to outshine Richard Nixon, further exemplified the theme of adapting to new media. Brinkley emphasized that successful presidents are often those who can harness the power of contemporary media to connect with and reassure the public.

Brinkley discussed another illustration of the relationship between media and the presidency: the transformative power of the media in policy and public opinion, as seen in President Nixon's unexpected environmental policies. Despite his Republican political ideology, Nixon signed significant legislation, such as the Clean Air Act, and established the Environmental Protection Agency. This move was influenced by his recognition of the media's growing focus on environmental issues. Brinkley highlighted how Nixon's triangulation between political necessity and media coverage led to these landmark policies. In his initial introduction of the conversation, Joseph Trainor, Interim Dean of the Biden School, reinforced the importance of critical thinking and media literacy, highlighting the Biden School's mission to prepare future leaders who can navigate and leverage media landscapes responsibly. This resonates with the ongoing need for informed and engaged citizens to uphold democratic values as we navigate an era of unprecedented media influence and technological change.

In a captivating session at the Media and Democracy Summit, comedian Jordan Klepper, known for his sharp wit and humorous commentary on The Daily Show, had a one-on-one conversation with Dannagal Young on the powerful role of “Political Satire in Democracy.” Klepper is one of the rare people who can make you laugh and think simultaneously, says Valerie Biden Owens, who introduced the session. "Politics has become something you can consume," says Klepper as he reflects on his time covering political rallies. The goal of political satire is not necessarily to change minds but to draw attention and foster a sense of empathy and understanding, even amidst intense political polarization. By validating the legitimate needs underlying people's beliefs, such as "comprehension, control, and community," Klepper effectively bridges the gap between different ideological groups through satire. This approach entertains and fosters a sense of community as people rally around shared identities and beliefs.

Another significant takeaway from the session was the need for vulnerability and humility in public discourse. "I think the blueprint lies in uncertainty, which lies in being comfortable with not knowing," Klepper asserted, advocating for more genuine and open conversations. His recounting of a three-and-a-half-hour conversation with a radical political supporter at Green Bay Airport illustrated this point beautifully. They found common ground outside a political rally's heated atmosphere and engaged in meaningful dialogue, demonstrating how personal connections can transcend political divides. This experience encapsulated Klepper's belief that admitting "vulnerabilities and uncertainties is how you can attract other people to you" and leads to deeper connections and a healthier democratic discourse. By bringing these insights to the forefront, Klepper's discussion at the summit offered a thought-provoking look at how satire and political discourse can coexist in a deeply fragmented society.

Do journalists work for the public or their employers? This critical question, posed by Danai Maragoudaki during the panel discussion moderated by Timothy Shaffer on media ownership and pluralism, encapsulates the central dilemma facing modern media. As journalists navigate the delicate balance between serving the public interest and fulfilling business obligations, the impact on democracy and information diversity becomes increasingly profound. Maragoudaki, an investigative journalist with Solomon, decried the acute issues in Greece, where media ownership is concentrated among a few oligarchs, leading to significant problems with press freedom and pluralism. She explained how this consolidation of media power impacts the diversity of information, stressing that "most of our media belong to specific private and corporate interests." Danilo Yanich, Professor at the Biden School, University of Delaware, added perspectives from the U.S., saying, "The media landscape is structured to provide public good through private means." This media landscape introduces a tension where the need to achieve economies of scale often leads to homogenized and duplicated content, undermining the diversity of information. Yanich, speaking from the findings of a working paper on media ownership, "Repackaging Reality," which he coauthored with his fellow professor at the Department of Political Science and International Relations, University of Delaware, Benjamin Bagozzi, pointed out that "five station groups controlled half of media content in 2019, during the period leading up to the primary election in the U.S., emphasizing how this consolidation affects the quality and variety of news available to the public.

The panelists also talked about media and the role of technology. Jessica Yellin, founder of News Not Noise and former CNN Chief White House Correspondent, touched upon the democratization of news through social media, allowing anyone with a phone to report events, thus broadening the scope of information and complicating the landscape with potential misinformation. The trend towards independent journalism highlights the growing importance of transparency and the individual credibility of journalists. Michael Kane, SVP of Local Market Optimization at Gannett Media, reinforced that "newsrooms should reflect the demographics of the audience they serve," underscoring the necessity for local journalism to resonate with its audience genuinely. Kane also mentioned that the nature of storytelling must evolve to integrate fact-checks into the reporting process rather than post-publication corrections to maintain credibility and trust. In the current media landscape, balancing achieving economies of scale and maintaining a pluralistic media environment remains challenging yet vital. As the media continues to evolve, these discussions and reflections are crucial in ensuring that journalism can sustain itself economically and serve the public's need for diverse, reliable information.

Amidst a turbulent media landscape characterized by monopolistic practices, mistrust, and threats to media freedom, the Incubator for Media Education and Development (iMEdD), founded in 2018, emerged as a beacon of hope. In a keynote, Anna-Kynthia Bousdoukou, Managing Director of iMEdD and Executive Director of SNF Dialogues, emphasized iMEdD's mission to enhance transparency and independence in journalism. Despite the daunting reality that the safety of journalists is threatened and numerous media outlets and journalists face strategic lawsuits, iMEdD has steadfastly committed to fostering a new kind of media organization committed to innovation. Some of the standout achievements of iMEdD include its cross-border data investigation on femicides in Europe and an AI-driven analysis of campaign speeches in Greece. These initiatives have informed and engaged the audience and have helped iMEdD build a vibrant community around their work. iMEdD's incubator program has empowered journalists beyond Greece to create impactful content, ranging from migration documentaries to podcasts on domestic violence. The annual iMEdD International Journalism Forum, which attracted 1400 participants and 140 speakers from almost all continents in 2023, underscores the organization's growing influence. IMEdD's goal is not to work alone but to create a global community of strengthened independent journalists who produce cross-border collaborative credible stories, protect their sources, conduct deep investigations, create real impact, shine a light on corruption, seek accountability, and safeguard our democracy and society.

In the panel discussion on "Media Ethics and Responsibility in the Digital Age," prominent figures in journalism and academia explored the profound impact of digital technologies on democracy and the ethical obligations of media corporations. The session, moderated by Dannagal Young, Professor of Communication and Political Science and Director of the Center for Political Communication at the University of Delaware, brought together Carole Cadwalladr, Journalist at The Guardian & Observer; Cynthia Miller-Idriss, Professor at the School of Public Affairs and School of Education, American University; and Dan Froomkin, Editor of Press Watch. Their insights underscored the critical need for ethical responsibility in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Young set the stage by highlighting the challenge posed by digital technologies, which are "decentralized by design," making them "brilliantly democratizing" but also prone to misuse. Carole Cadwalladr also emphasized this sentiment, stating that social media platforms have "no ethical responsibilities and no legal responsibilities" during critical moments such as elections. This lack of accountability has global implications, as seen in Myanmar's genocide, which was facilitated through social media, demonstrating that the harms of unchecked digital media can be catastrophic. Cadwalladr's call to action was clear: "We need something different to ensure ethical responsibility and protect democracy." Indeed, the digital age demands urgent action to safeguard democratic values.

The conversation touched on the role of traditional media and the need for proactive journalism. Dan Froomkin stressed that traditional media must fight disinformation, misinformation, and propaganda as aggressively and enthusiastically as its distributors distribute it. Cynthia Miller-Idriss added that media literacy is crucial, particularly in educating young people about the manipulative nature of online content, including misogynistic narratives. She emphasized that "media literacy is a more fundamental degree of education about how what you consume online shapes your beliefs." This includes understanding how content can influence beliefs about "human dignity, consent, autonomy," and broader social values. Additionally, Young highlighted the importance of using journalism to remind people what civics is, how democracy works, and how institutions work. The panel collectively urged a commitment to media literacy and ethical journalism, emphasizing that the young generation must rise to the challenge of fixing these pervasive issues left by older generations.

In a riveting discussion on Technological Disruptions, a panel featuring Michael Nelson, Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Athan Stephanopoulos, former Executive Vice President & Chief Digital Officer at CNN Worldwide, Dhanaraj Thakur, Research Director at the Center for Democracy and Technology, and Ana Paula Valacco, Community Manager at JournalismAI, explored the impacts of algorithms and AI on media and democracy. Michael Nelson set the stage, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of technological evolution and its far-reaching implications, saying, "We do not know what technologies will develop, how they are going to be used, and we certainly do not know all the second-and third-order implications." Other speakers shared this sentiment during the panel, highlighting the necessity for adaptability and foresight in policy and practice. Stephanopoulos brought to light the reality of the current media landscape, noting, "These algorithms were created in many ways to focus on what we call the attention-based economy," and he pointed out the resulting "double-edged sword" of democratized information versus the proliferation of divisive content.

A major theme highlighted by Thakur and Valacco was the issue of trust and representation in the digital age. Thakur raised concerns about the biases in AI, particularly when applied to "low-resource languages," stressing that AI tools could worsen existing inequalities. Valacco, bringing a perspective from the Global South, emphasized the need for ethical protocols and community-endorsed solutions to ensure that AI empowers rather than undermines journalism. She noted, "Journalists are facing many challenges, and AI can be a huge tool to help them overcome them." The session concluded with an agreement on the importance of innovation, regulatory reform, and audience-focused approaches in tackling these challenges, encapsulating the sentiment that "the more choices we have, the better off for society," as Nelson aptly put it. This insightful discussion was a call to action for a more inclusive and accountable technological future.

The speakers at the session on “AI Everywhere” highlighted the profound impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on journalism, society, and governance. Mike Nelson, a futurist and senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, emphasized that AI is revolutionizing how we gather and disseminate information, offering opportunities and ethical challenges. He said, “Data is the new water; it is something that flows across borders.” Nelson stressed the importance of "provenance" in content creation to combat misinformation and build trust, advocating for technologies that ensure transparency and authenticity in media. "We need technologies built into the system that allow us to know where a particular sentence, diagram, or data set came from and whether it has been altered," underscoring the critical need for accountability in AI-generated content. This perspective aligns with balancing AI's effectiveness, efficiency, and cost-saving benefits with equity and transparency.

Ana Paula Valacco, the Community Manager of JournalismAI, an initiative of Polis, the journalism think tank at the London School of Economics (LSE), and Louise Riondel, Co-Secretary to the Council of Europe Committee on Artificial Intelligence, addressed the democratization and regulation of AI, respectively, underscoring the necessity for inclusive and ethical practices. Valacco highlighted the potential of AI to empower small newsrooms, helping them overcome resource constraints and enhance productivity. She shared success stories, illustrating how AI can be a "problem solver rather than an obstacle" when implemented responsibly. Riondel discussed the regulatory landscape, arguing that effective regulation is key to regaining public trust in AI. She pointed out the balance needed between innovation and oversight, saying, "Regulation ensures a level playing field for all actors with minimum standards to mitigate the risk of harm." 

Taylor Owen, the Beaverbrook Chair in Media, Communications, and director of the Center for Media, Technology, and Democracy at McGill University, and Jonathan Soma, Knight Chair of Data Journalism, Columbia University, provided critical insights into AI's power dynamics and practical realities. Owen reflected on how digital infrastructure shapes political power, warning against the unchecked influence of a few tech giants in the AI space. He called for citizen inclusion in AI governance, emphasizing that "we as citizens need to be a part of this conversation." Soma cautioned against the over-reliance on AI for fact-based tasks, noting, "AI does not understand facts or concepts; it is all statistical probability." This aligns with the idea that we cannot leave the pursuit of decision-making and the analysis of what the citizens deserve to AI alone, as doing so would neglect democratic values. Together, these perspectives painted a comprehensive picture of AI's transformative potential, risks, and the collective responsibility to harness its benefits ethically. This discussion resonates with the need for research to focus on preserving democratic participation in AI development and ensuring that AI and technology adoption serve the principles of equity and transparency.

In the panel discussion on "Freedom of the Press: Threats, Challenges, and Opportunities,” experts converged to examine the vital connection between press freedom and the health of democracy. The discourse revealed alarming trends and underscored the imperative need to protect journalistic integrity in the face of mounting threats. Adrian Shahbaz of Freedom House highlighted the stark reality that attacks on the media are a primary driver of the global decline in democracy. Presenting data that showed an 18-year consecutive decline in global freedom, Shahbaz emphasized that media freedom has been the most severely affected. He detailed the multifaceted threats faced by journalists, including physical dangers, imprisonment, and transnational repression. Shahbaz elaborated on the various tactics employed to silence journalists, such as the misuse of anti-money laundering laws, tax evasion charges, and even accusations of terrorism. He noted with concern, "What is striking... is laws that are passed ostensibly to counter disinformation that are then used to criminalize the practice of independent journalism." Eliza Triantafyllou from Inside Story shared insights from the surveillance scandal in Greece, highlighting how state and corporate pressures significantly hinder independent journalism. Triantafyllou pointed to the lack of accountability in prosecuting those responsible for such attacks, illustrating journalists' pervasive challenges in holding power to account.

Suzanne McBride of the Chicago Sun-Times addressed the crucial role of an informed citizenry in upholding democratic values. She pointed out the dramatic decrease in journalists, noting that the workforce has shrunk from over 116,000 in 2005 to fewer than 85,000 today. This reduction, she argued, creates a vacuum in community-level news coverage and diminishes public accountability. The panel also underscored the dual-edged sword of online journalism's democratization. While it empowers individuals with a platform for expression, it also presents the challenge of discerning credible information. Jenny Lambe, Associate Professor at the University of Delaware, emphasized the importance of media literacy education. She highlighted initiatives in states like Delaware, where media literacy is integrated across various school subjects, aiming to equip students with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complex media landscape. The discussion concluded unanimously: protecting press freedom and fostering an informed citizenry are intertwined goals essential for the sustenance of democracy.

The vitality of local journalism and community engagement is crucial for sustaining democratic participation. The "Engaging Information, Citizens, and Community" townhall meeting underscored this critical discourse by bringing together thought leaders who emphasized the indispensable role of local journalism in fostering informed and active communities. The speakers, including Allison Taylor Levine (Founder and CEO of Local Journalism Initiative), Nic Dawes (Executive Director, The City NYC), Martin Carcasson (Director, Center for Public Deliberation, Colorado State University), and Morgan Malone (Executive Director of City Bureau), highlighted several key themes: the decline of local news ecosystems, the necessity of innovative models to foster informed and engaged communities, and the urgent need for community-driven journalism.

Allison shared insights into the efforts of Spotlight Delaware, a collaborative of 23 Delaware newsrooms, state libraries, and other community-powered nonprofit newsrooms focused on addressing polarization and giving voice to underserved and underrepresented communities that have not always been included or served by local media. "Our goal is to inspire people to participate in government, elections, and other forms of civic engagement, "Allison stated, emphasizing the crucial role of inclusive and representative local media. Nic Dawes expanded on the conversation by highlighting the broader challenges faced by the news industry, including technological, audience, and revenue shocks. Nic underscored the importance of community organizing techniques and focusing on the civic health of neighborhoods. "We want our communities to be more equitable and to convene people around a common world of facts," Dawes explained, illustrating the profound impact of community-driven journalism.

Martin Carcasson brought a unique perspective on the intersection of local journalism and deliberative democracy. He stressed the importance of high-quality conversations in a diverse democracy, noting that "diverse democracy is hard. It requires high-quality conversations." Carcasson shared his experience with the Center for Public Deliberation, where he trains students to facilitate community discussions. His work aims to avoid triggering the worst of human nature and instead taps into the best by fostering environments for collaborative problem-solving. He emphasized the need for bridging organizations and mediating institutions to counteract polarization and information disorder, highlighting how local journalism can play a pivotal role in these efforts by acting as a convener and honest broker of information. Similarly, Morgan Malone from the City Bureau shared insights into their Documenters program, which empowers citizens with journalistic skills and combines data journalism with community engagement to drive significant policy changes. As advocated by all speakers, a collaborative and inclusive approach to journalism highlights the potential for local news to foster trust, drive civic participation, and enhance the quality of democratic life.