A conversation on the state of the 2016 presidential campaign and its coverage in the media, with Bob Schieffer, former CBS News anchor and host of “Face the Nation,” and current Walter Shorenstein Media and Democracy Fellow; and Ann Compton, former ABC News White House correspondent and current fellow at the Harvard Institute of Politics. They discuss the upcoming presidential debates, the role of social media in the 2016 election, and share stories from the campaign trail. Moderated by Nicco Mele, director of the Shorenstein Center. Recorded on September 20, 2016, in the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum at Harvard Kennedy School. 

Molly Ball, political writer for The Atlantic, discussed the 2016 presidential race, the role of the media, and the prospects for both parties in a conversation with Shorenstein Center director Nicco Mele. She also discusses her new article about political consulting and her journalism career. This Shorenstein Center Speaker Series event was recorded on September 13, 2016, at Harvard Kennedy School. 

Johanna Dunaway, Joan Shorenstein Fellow (spring 2016) and associate professor of communication at Texas A&M University, examines how mobile technology – despite expanding internet access – is also contributing to a digital divide in news consumption. You can read Johanna Dunaway's full research paper on the topic by visiting shorensteincenter.org and clicking on 'Research'. 

Joanna Jolly, Joan Shorenstein Fellow (spring 2016) and BBC South Asia editor, introduces her new research paper examining the increased coverage of rape in India’s English-language newspapers following the infamous 2012 gang rape in Delhi, and whether this coverage led to policy changes.

* Listeners are advised this podcast contains discussion of sexual assault. 

Paul Wood, Fall 2015 Joan Shorenstein Fellow and BBC world affairs correspondent, discusses his new research paper, "The Pen and the Sword: Reporting ISIS". The paper, which can be read in full at shorensteincenter.org, tells the harrowing story of a journalist held hostage by ISIS, and examines the ethical dilemmas that arise when reporting on terrorist organizations. 

Dan Kennedy, Joan Shorenstein Fellow (spring 2016) and associate professor in the School of Journalism at Northeastern University, discusses his new research paper providing insight into The Washington Post’s digital strategy and business model following its acquisition by Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. 

Marilyn Thompson, a Spring 2016 Joan Shorenstein Fellow and former deputy editor at POLITICO, discusses her new research paper exploring the Presidential Election Campaign Fund, and whether the fund could still provide a viable way to address citizen frustration with the campaign finance system.

Bob Schieffer, Walter Shorenstein Media and Democracy Fellow, veteran CBS reporter, and former moderator of “Face the Nation,” discussed the media’s performance in covering the 2016 election and Donald Trump’s campaign, and looked ahead to the general election. Schieffer also discussed money in politics, the divide in the Republican Party between its leaders and base, the possibility of an indictment for Hillary Clinton, Obama’s legacy, and more. This Shorenstein Center Speaker Series event was recorded on April 20, 2016, at Harvard Kennedy School. 

The Shorenstein Center hosted a conversation with its Spring 2016 Joan Shorenstein Fellows:Johanna Dunaway, associate professor of communication, Texas A&M University; Joanna Jolly, South Asia editor and feature writer, BBC; Dan Kennedy, associate professor of journalism, Northeastern University; and Marilyn Thompson, deputy editor, Politico. Each fellow gave a preview of the work they conducted at the Shorenstein Center, and answered audience questions. Also featuring contributions from Bob Schieffer, the Walter Shorenstein Media and Democracy Fellow. This Speaker Series event was recorded on April 19, 2016, at Harvard Kennedy School. 

Shira T. Center, political editor for The Boston Globe, discussed media coverage of Donald Trump, as well as the relationship between Trump supporters and the press. Center described several factors that contributed to the media’s paradoxical coverage of Trump – characterized by an initial reluctance to view him as a serious candidate, while still providing seemingly constant coverage of him. Center also discussed The Boston Globe’s New Hampshire primary coverage, public reaction to the Globe’s fake front page about President Trump, the inner workings of Trump’s campaign and more.