The Sunday Show Assessing the Relationship Between Information Ecosystems and Democracy's Woes
Jun 1, 2025
Guests Robin Mansell, a Professor Emeritus at the LSE, and Courtney Radsch, Director at the Center for Journalism and Liberty, dive into the pressing interplay of information ecosystems and democracy. They discuss insights from a groundbreaking report on how misinformation erodes democratic values, stressing the implications of AI and corporate practices. The conversation highlights the need for qualitative research to address these complexities and suggests innovative partnerships among NGOs to navigate the challenges posed by big tech and political populism.
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Massive Global Research Synthesis
- The report synthesized over 3,000 research entries, combining academic, policy, and gray literature sources about media, AI, and data governance.
- It highlights the global and multidisciplinary effort to understand information ecosystems' impact on democracy.
Context Matters for Democracy
- The report serves as a benchmark reflecting global conflicted histories and diverse political contexts impacting information ecosystems.
- It warns against generalizing one country's experience as universally applicable to global democratic challenges.
Regulate Platforms as Public Utilities
- Apply must-carry and common carrier regulations to digital platforms to ensure critical information is accessible to all.
- Treat platforms like public utilities regulating their gatekeeping role to prevent discriminatory practices.