The press has been both a tool for fighting oppression and the servant of totalitarian regimes. What is the relationship between a free press and broader political liberty in a free society?

We will examine both nuts-and-bolts issues about media operations as well as broader philosophical inquiries into the role of communication, information, and media. We will ask and attempt to answer difficult questions: Why are reporters so easily hoodwinked by dubious statistics? Why are science and the economy covered so poorly? How will emerging media change the information landscape? Is an "objective" press possible — or even desirable? Do the media create hysteria? And why, when readers protest that they want more depth and substance, does "The National Enquirer" still outsell the "serious" major dailies?

For those contemplating careers in journalism, we will offer useful tools of analysis to provide insight into policy, economics, trends. We will engage in both practical workshops on journalism and high-level discussions of philosophy and policy.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? This workshop is for journalism students, media professionals and those interested in the media and its impact on public life.