The Fourth Estate in a Time of Crisis

Keynote Speaker: David Folkenflik, NPR News, Media Correspondent

This symposium explored the developments that threaten the news media’s ability to function in its historic role as the “Fourth Estate” and will asked whether the law can be used to address these challenges. For example, do current laws (e.g., defamation, broadcast) adequately protect the news media and First Amendment rights? Can social media be regulated or managed in ways that might help increase public confidence in the news media? How can journalists be better protected from threats to their newsgathering and publication efforts? Can or should there be limits on the ability of wealthy private actors to mute or silence media outlets? What can the news media do, if anything, to restore public confidence?

Panel 1: Challenges from Courts and to the Rule of Law
Panelists:
Professor Sonja West
Professor RonNell Anderson Jones
Professor Amy Kristin Sanders
Professor Erin Carroll

Moderator: Professor Leslie Levin

Panel 2: Other Government Challenges
Panelists:
Professor Blake Reid
Professor Mary Rose Papandrea
Hearst CT Managing Editor John Ferraro
Professor David Schulz

Moderator: Professor David Schulz

Panel 3: Corporate Challenges
Panelists:
Professor Jane Bambauer
Professor Lili Levi
Professor Marie Shanahan

Moderator: Professor Marie Shanahan

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