Truth Still Matters in Fight Against Fake News

The media industry is in a state of emergency. That’s not just journalism, but PR too.

We are under the attack from public distrust.

The problem: a barrage of disinformation.

The media is not the enemy of the people. The enemy of the truth is our problem.

Not scary enough? These nuggets from the Institute on Public Relations report on disinformation might do it:

• 2/3s of Americans say disinformation is on par with gun violence and terrorism
• Only 45% of Americans trust journalists
• 26% trust PR professionals
• Less than half of Americans think the media is doing an adequate job combatting disinformation

More than ever, the truth still matters.

How do we fight back?

We don’t go it alone.

Grab a battle buddy, because PR practitioners and journalists should advance to the front lines together in solidarity to combat this enemy of truth.

Center Lecture lays out the battle plan

On Tuesday, March 10, the Broom Center hosts the third annual Allen H. Center Distinguished Lecture in Public Relations. Media industry professionals will hear from keynote speaker John Kirby to learn how to forge a united front in the face of disinformation.

John Kirby knows this battle from both sides of the podium.

Today you’ll find John Kirby on CNN. Before this, he was in the trenches behind the microphone in government public affairs. Before he retired as a two-star admiral, he was the Pentagon press secretary and the Navy’s Chief of Information. After his naval service, he became the spokesman for the State Department.

You’ll hear John Kirby talk about the fight for truth as a joint operation, involving both journalists and PR practitioners.

Register today

Don’t leave your buddies behind. Grab your friends and colleagues to join us for this timely lecture.

The enemy is here, in the heart of America trying to confuse us. Together we’ll fight the enemy of truth.

Make sure to RSVP to secure a seat. And yes, we have free parking for you just steps away from the lecture.

The Broom Center’s third annual Allen H. Center Distinguished Lecture in Public Relations this spring will dig in deep on the impact of disinformation on the entire media industry – from journalism to public relations. Join us on March 10, 2020 when CNN’s John Kirby beams in to San Diego State University to speak in this free and open lecture series.

Note: this post was updated on March 2 to note John Kirby’s change in lecture delivery due to the CNN travel ban for employees.