Democracy and Citizenship Speakers Series

The Future of News: Challenges and Opportunities for a 21st Century Media System

Presented by the College of Arts & Sciences

About the Event

Challenges for quality news in the United States abound—commercial viability, changing audiences for news consumption, an abundance of content options, and information quality. Yet, how might we envision the opportunities for a 21st century news media ecosystem? What does today’s news literacy look like? How can local news meet modern community needs? How can news be delivered to new generations of information consumers? Journalism and news practitioners share the possibilities for the road ahead related to sustaining and strengthening the democracy-function of news. 

IMPORTANT FOR STUDENTS

Attendance at this event fulfills an opportunity for rigorous debate as mandated by the State of Florida Civics Literacy graduation requirement. Some students who transfer from other institutions are able to supplement their transfer coursework to meet graduation requirements by participating. Proof of attendance that includes a photo at the event is necessary to receive the credit.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERs

Julia Saad, News Editor, The Oracle  (USF)

Journalist Julia Saad transferred to USF in 2022. As a senior, Saad is now an editor for The Oracle and focuses on accountability stories. Growing up in Brazil, Saad only wrote science fiction novels, now she takes preference to writing non-fiction. Meeting interesting characters at campus events and protests has kept her interest in writing for the news section. She believes connecting large-scale occurrences to local audiences is crucial and can only be accomplished with the contribution of diverse social media platforms, the evolution of multimedia and constant two-way communication. 

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Alex Mahadevan, Media Wise, Poynter Institute 

Alex Mahadevan is the director of MediaWise at the Poynter Institute and co-leads the Empowering Diverse Digital Citizens Lab at Stanford University. Through both roles, Mahadevan has trained virtually — or in-person — thousands of citizens and journalists in digital media literacy, fact-checking and debunking, generative AI skills and investigations tools. In his work with Stanford researchers, Mahadevan has collaborated on studies of media literacy interventions in multiple communities. 

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Aya Diab, Video Producer at the Tampa Bay Times and current USF Communication PhD student

Aya Diab is a video producer and journalist currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Communication at the University of South Florida, where she previously earned her M.A. in Digital Journalism and Design and B.A. in Mass Communication.
  
As a Video Producer at the Tampa Bay Times, Aya leads the development of video projects across web and social media platforms. Her work has been recognized with awards from the Florida Society of News Editors, Telly Awards, and Nature Without Borders International Film Festival.
  
Aya is passionate about packaging news in innovative ways to suit the digital age and latest trends. She is particularly interested in creating vertical news videos for platforms and designing motion graphics to elevate storytelling. 

PARKING 

Parking is available in Lot 21. For more information about campus parking, please visit the Parking Services website.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EVENT?

For more information or to request reasonable accommodations, please contact CAS RSVP.