Is Journalism Relevant in the Post-Truth Society? – Silvio Waisbord (George Washington University)

PLAMADISO Talk by Silvio Waisbord (George Washington University) – 6 May 2026 || Organized by the Research Group "Digital Economy, Internet Ecosystem & Internet Policy" @Weizenbaum Institute for the Networked Society Title "Is Journalism Relevant in the Post-Truth Society?" Abstract In this presentation, Silvio Waisbord discusses whether journalism remains relevant in the post-truth society, which is characterized by persistent epistemological rifts. Three simultaneous processes deepen this situation: platformed communication, challenges to social expertise, and illiberalism. Altogether, these trends challenge journalism's ability to gain public attention, trust, and influence. Despite constant efforts by news organizations to respond and adapt to these conditions, journalism's relevance is seemingly dwindling. Yet, several indicators suggest that journalism is still relevant, in more targeted yet significant ways than in the past. Research directions are suggested for better understanding how journalism stays relevant. This talk is based on his new book Introduction to Journalism: Thinking Globally (Polity): https://www.politybooks.com/bookdetai... Short Bio Silvio Waisbord is Professor at the School of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University. He is Past President and current Fellow of the International Communication Association, and Editor of the International Journal of Communication. He is the author and editor of twenty books, as well as articles on journalism and politics, communication studies, media policy, and communication for social change. His most recent book is Introduction to Journalism: Thinking Globally (Polity). He served as Director of the School of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University (2020–2023), and is the former Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Communication and the International Journal of Press/Politics. Waisbord received a Licenciatura in Sociology from the Universidad de Buenos Aires and a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of California, San Diego. More about Silvio Waisbord School of Media and Public Affairs profile: https://smpa.gwu.edu/silvio-waisbord Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?... Stay tuned for future events: https://plamadiso.weizenbaum-institut.de Follow us on X: https://x.com/JWI_Digi_Econ Follow us on LinkedIn:   / plamadiso   Find all PLAMADISO Talks in our playlist:    • Plamadiso Talks   The Weizenbaum Institute for the Networked Society: https://weizenbaum-institut.de/