The public are being constantly warned about the risks of fake news and misinformation on social media, the internet, and even some broadcast television outlets and newspapers. Should you abandon social media or only read the elite press or what? My suggestion is to read or view the news critically but don’t rely only on … Continue reading Empowering Public Access to Information: Read News Critically but also Source Information
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Citizen Sensing of Broadband Access
I had the opportunity to work with Merit, Michigan's research and education network, and the Quello Center at MSU, who have teamed up on a comment to the US NTIA on how to enhance indicators of broadband access. The comment provides an innovative approach to consumer sourcing of broadband availability data that builds off the FCC's … Continue reading Citizen Sensing of Broadband Access
Rethinking White House Press Briefings: Two Steps Forward, One Giant Leap Back
I was on the brink of applauding the White House for challenging some traditions of the daily press briefings in opening to more news organizations and adding the Skype seats, only to then learn of some mainstream news organizations not being welcomed in the room. So instead of diversifying access, this seems to be a … Continue reading Rethinking White House Press Briefings: Two Steps Forward, One Giant Leap Back
Campaign and Political Financing Buys Access, Not Votes
Campaign and Political Financing Buys Access, Not Votes The Democratic Party debates have raised questions on whether Hillary Clinton’s positions on policy issues changed as a consequence of speaking fees and donations to her campaigns. Politicians and media pundits alike remind us that they do not read social science research. The key focus of campaign … Continue reading Campaign and Political Financing Buys Access, Not Votes
UNESCO’s Connecting the Dots: Options for Future Action, 3-4 March 2015
UNESCO’s CONNECTing the Dots conference will reflect on a report of UNESCO’s Internet Study, entitled ‘Keystones to foster inclusive Knowledge Societies: Access to information and knowledge, Freedom of Expression, Privacy, and Ethics on a Global Internet’. Representatives from 180 Member States will be present to present and discuss the major themes of this report. It … Continue reading UNESCO’s Connecting the Dots: Options for Future Action, 3-4 March 2015