Free Speech, Free Press or Free for All? Social Media and the First Amendment
Is the First Amendment still relevant in the age of social media? How can we be sure that what we’re reading and watching is true? What can social media platforms do to curtail the spread of misinformation and lies? How can journalists make the best use of social media to gain audience and enrich their reporting while also protecting themselves from harassment? We explored these questions and more with journalists, social media experts and legal scholars.
Experts spotlight the uncertain balance between social media and the First Amendment
WASHINGTON — Legal scholars debated the best means of regulating social media for false or harmful content while also preserving the First Amendment protections for free speech in a forum held April 25 at the National Press Club. The panel was part of the annual Hurley-Sloan Symposium, a University of Missouri-sponsored event entitled, “Free Speech, … Continued
Journalists discuss social media’s struggle to navigate the line between free speech and hate speech
Tessa Weinberg and Yanqi Xu WASHINGTON — Social media sees it all. From the photos we share to keep friends and family in the loop, to violent content in the wake of terror attacks, the ubiquitous platforms that increasingly define our lives are struggling to spur connections rather than deepen divisions. It’s an issue journalists … Continued
CNN anchor Brian Stelter wants you to ‘look up’
Tessa Weinberg and Annika Merrilees WASHINGTON — Brian Stelter wants everybody to stop, take a second and look up. From their smartphones, that is. The devices in people’s hands hold everything from news alerts to entertainment, hope and hate speech, said Stelter, the keynote speaker at the April 25 Hurley-Sloan Symposium at the National Press … Continued
Journalists, legal experts wrangle with the First Amendment and social media
First Amendment advocates and social media observers acknowledged at the Missouri–Hurley and Price Sloan Symposium that the journalism and legal sectors are walking a tight rope. “We are having a reckoning about big tech that is overdue,” said Brian Stelter, the chief media correspondent for CNN Worldwide and anchor of “Reliable Sources.” “I do believe … Continued