Walter V. Robinson, editor at large for The Boston Globe, discussed the Globe’s investigation into the Catholic Church sexual abuse scandal, the Oscar-nominated film "Spotlight," and the future of investigative reporting. Robinson, played by Michael Keaton in the film, discussed the Spotlight Team’s investigation and how it evolved, and which details of the "Spotlight" film are most accurate – and which took liberties. Robinson also discussed the cover up of sexual abuse by the Catholic Church, and the collusion between the Catholic Church and state governments that prevented the prosecution of priests. This Shorenstein Center Speaker Series event was recorded on February 9, 2016, at Harvard Kennedy School.

Bob Schieffer, Walter Shorenstein Media and Democracy Fellow, veteran CBS reporter, and former moderator of "Face the Nation," discussed this week’s Iowa Caucuses, and looked ahead to the upcoming primaries and general election. Schieffer also discussed the impact of the race on the Senate, Clinton’s email controversy, media coverage of Trump, Michael Bloomberg’s potential bid, and the questions he would like to ask the presidential candidates. This Shorenstein Center Campaign Series event was recorded on February 3, 2016, at Harvard Kennedy School.

Marie Sanz, Joan Shorenstein Fellow (fall 2015) and senior correspondent for Agence France Presse, introduces her new research paper examining The New York Times' editorials on U.S.-Cuba relations over the past five decades, and the role of the press in the restoration of relations between the two countries. Since 1961, The New York Times editorial board consistently opposed the break in U.S.-Cuba relations, and used major historical events such as the Bay of Pigs, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Mariel boatlift, and the Elian Gonzalez standoff to argue for the restoration of relations. Sanz also covers Fidel Castro’s relationship with the media, how U.S. public opinion toward Cuba changed over time, and the secret talks between the U.S. and Cuba that led to the announcement that relations would be normalized on December 17, 2014. Sanz's full paper can be read at shorensteincenter.org.

David Ensor, Joan Shorenstein Fellow (fall 2015) and former director of Voice of America (VOA), introduces his new research paper making the case for strengthening VOA in order to grow U.S. soft power through the production and spread of journalism. VOA’s news programming, which is funded by the U.S. government but remains editorially independent, reaches almost 188 million people in more than 45 languages through a variety of platforms. Building upon Joseph Nye’s concept of soft power, Ensor argues that VOA is one of the U.S.’s most valuable national security assets, and as such, needs more resources than it currently receives. Ensor's full paper can be read at shorensteincenter.org.

A conversation on international media and politics with the fall 2015 Joan Shorenstein Fellows: David Ensor, former director of Voice of America, Marie Sanz, Lima, Peru bureau chief, AFP, and Paul Wood, foreign correspondent, BBC. The panel discussion focused on the November 13 terrorist attacks in Paris, as well the fellows’ work at the Center. The fellows discussed the media’s role in using soft power to counter extremism, and the accuracy of common media narratives about ISIS. There was also discussion of the international refugee crisis, and U.S.-Cuba relations. This Shorenstein Center Speaker Series event was recorded on November 17, 2015, at Harvard Kennedy School.

Former fellow and TV news producer Richard N. Kaplan returned to the Shorenstein Center to discuss the 2016 election, including the debates and the role of the media, and the need for serious journalism. Kaplan has worked for CBS, ABC, CNN and MSNBC, and served as executive producer for Walter Cronkite, Peter Jennings, Ted Koppel, Diane Sawyer, Katie Couric, and Christiane Amanpour. He recently served as creative consultant on Aaron Sorkin’s HBO show "The Newsroom." Kaplan also discussed Brian Williams’ reentry into the news, presidential candidates' appearances on "Saturday Night Live," news values and ethics, international reporting, and his involvement as a consultant to "The Newsroom." This Shorenstein Center Speaker Series event was recorded on November 10, 2015, at Harvard Kennedy School.

Marvin Kalb, Shorenstein Center founding director and former moderator of "Meet the Press," discussed the current relationship between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S., placing the situation within a larger historical context. Kalb also spoke more about U.S. diplomacy and military actions, Russia-China relations, Putin’s advisors, and sanctions. This Shorenstein Center Speaker Series event was recorded on November 4, 2015, at Harvard Kennedy School.

Maria Sacchetti, who covers immigration for The Boston Globe, shared her experience reporting on the international refugee crisis in Europe, and discussed the importance of local coverage of international stories. Sacchetti traveled to the Greek island of Lesbos to report on the refugees as they arrived onshore. She gives an account of her travels north to Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, and Germany, following the path of refugees and telling their stories in a recent Boston Globe series. This Shorenstein Center Speaker Series event was recorded on November 3, 2015, at Harvard Kennedy School.

Bob Schieffer, Walter Shorenstein Media and Democracy Fellow, veteran CBS reporter, and former moderator of “Face the Nation,” discussed the nature of the presidential debates, the current field of presidential candidates, and political media in the second event in a series focusing on the 2016 election. Schieffer reflected on his moderation of past presidential debates, including Obama & McCain in 2008, and Obama and Romney in 2012. He also gave his thoughts on the debate performances of 2016 candidates and their current standing in the polls, including Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Jeb Bush, Ben Carson and Donald Trump. This Shorenstein Center Campaign Series event was recorded on October 28, 2015, at Harvard Kennedy School.

Garance Franke-Ruta, editor in chief of Yahoo Politics and former Shorenstein Center Fellow, discussed the current state of women in politics and political media. For the 2016 election cycle, “the picture is mixed” on the campaign trail, said Franke-Ruta. More women are covering political races than ever before, and women are running for office – yet the media still struggles with presenting women’s voices. Franke-Ruta also discusses Hillary Clinton’s campaign and legislative record, the role of appearance and character in political coverage, Yahoo’s campaign coverage strategy, and more, in this Shorenstein Center Speaker Series event recorded on October 20, 2015, at Harvard Kennedy School.