Journalism, the First Amendment, and Covering Trump
Panelists include, top left to right, Paula Dobbyn, Colin Warren and Carol Gray, and, bottom left to right, Gary Black, Lynne Snifka and Dermot Cole.
In his quest to remake the federal government and exact retribution against perceived enemies, President Donald Trump is ignoring long-held legal norms. From calling for judges who disagree with his agenda to be impeached to labeling journalists critical of him as liars and “radical Left lunatics,” Trump is growing increasingly hostile toward the federal judiciary and the press.
Recently, the Trump administration barred the Associated Press from covering White House events, and in a March 14 speech at the Department of Justice, he said television networks and newspapers “are really no different than a high-paid political operative.” “It’s influencing judges and it’s really changing law, and it just cannot be legal,” Trump said. “I don’t believe it’s legal and they do it in total coordination with each other.”
In today’s dynamic political environment, where democratic institutions and the rule of law are being tested, what role do the press and the First Amendment play? And why does it matter?
In a round table discussion with audience participation, hear from a panel of experts about the critical role of journalism in upholding democracy, the role journalists are playing during these turbulent times, and what citizens can do to stay informed and engaged.
Panelists:
- Paula Dobbyn, Snedden Chair, and Lynne Snifka, Associate Professor, Ӱ Department of Science and Environmental Journalism
- Carol Gray, Assistant Professor of Public Law, Ӱ Department of Political Science
- Gary Black, managing editor, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
- Dermot Cole, independent Fairbanks columnist
- Colin Warren, incoming editor-in-chief, The Sun Star, independent student- run Ӱ newspaper
Pizza and non-alcoholic refreshments will be served.
Ӱ the Ӱ Department of Science and Environmental Journalism
The Ӱ Department of Science and Environmental Journalism prepares students to report on some of the most urgent and complex issues of our time—from climate change and public health to politics and policy. Grounded in rigorous reporting and ethical storytelling, our program trains aspiring journalists to make scientific information accessible and engaging for the public, while fostering critical thinking and media literacy. Located in the heart of Ӱ, we offer a unique vantage point for covering environmental and societal change.