In the second episode of this four-part series, our guests explore the transformation of the information landscape. First, Dan Chibnall, STEM Librarian & Associate Professor of Librarianship at Drake University, reviews how fake news has impacted the presentation of news and information—anyone else notice the live fact-checking at the recent presidential debate? Then, Nick Anstead, Associate Professor in the Department of Media and Communications at the London School of Economics, examines the expanded range of today’s news sources, which leads to increased competition and pressures on traditional news media. Compounded by our data-driven environment, these pressures contribute to the prioritization of stories that garner the most public interest (and clicks) and subscriber-based content that restricts access to trusted sources.

Next, Nick highlights the history and recent developments in public opinion polling, underscoring that the interpretation of polling data is a skill that journalists may lack. Last, Dan dives into the role of scientists to educate the public on current research. Stressing the value of building trust in science, Dan explains the need for science communicators, or “SciCommers,” who can translate ingroup language into digestible, actionable information for the public, most effective at the local level.

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