Why do we believe what we believe? In this episode of FMC Fast Chat, we get an inside look at conspiracy theories.

Current events have spawned countless new conspiracy theories, focusing on the likes of COVID and QAnon. But some conspiracy theories, like who shot JFK, stand the test of time. Why? Do we blame the media or social media, or the Internet? Or, maybe, America has simply always been this crazy? These questions -- and more-- are what we tossed out to the guy Rolling Stone says is the nation's foremost expert on the topic, Joseph Uscinski. He takes us behind the headlines of news coverage, giving a firsthand account of how the news media is getting the story wrong by asking all the wrong questions.

Joseph Uscinski is Professor of Political Science at the University of Miami. He studies public opinion and mass media, with a focus on conspiracy theories. Uscinski is co-author of American Conspiracy Theories, widely considered the seminal study of conspiracy theories, and author of Conspiracy Theories: A Primer, the first textbook on the topic. His essays have appeared in numerous outlets, including The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Vox, Reason, and Politico. Find out more at www.joeuscinski.com

ABOUT FMC FAST CHAT

FMC Fast Chat is the podcast of the Fair Media Council, a 501 c3 nonprofit organization advocating for quality news and working to create a media-savvy society. The podcast is hosted by Fair Media Council CEO & Executive Director Jaci Clement. Find out more at www.fairmediacouncil.org

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