Free Speech, Election Lies, and the Fight Against Misinformation
Oct 8, 2024
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Bill Adair, creator of PolitiFact and Knight Professor of Journalism at Duke, joins Jon Stewart for a deep dive into today's misinformation crisis. They explore how free speech is manipulated by political figures like Elon Musk and Trump. Adair sheds light on the urgent challenges of fact-checking in a digital age, where social media amplifies falsehoods. The conversation also addresses the government's struggles to combat disinformation and the need for transparency during critical times. Insights from Adair's book 'Beyond the Big Lie' add depth to the discussion.
The podcast examines how free speech is manipulated in political narratives, particularly by figures like Trump and Musk, complicating public discourse.
Bill Adair emphasizes the critical role of fact-checking and journalistic integrity in combating the spread of misinformation across social media platforms.
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The Role of Misinformation in Politics
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Jon Stewart tackles the growing claims of election interference, with Elon Musk joining Trump’s narrative. The episode explores how “free speech” is being weaponized by both figures. Jon also sits down with Bill Adair, creator of PolitiFact and Knight Professor of Journalism at Duke, to discuss his new book “Beyond the Big Lie.” They dive into fact-checking in the misinformation age, social media’s role in spreading falsehoods, and the government’s efforts to combat disinformation.