**PRESS KIT** Panel Discussion on “Fake News & Alternative Facts in a World of Digital Democracy: The Evolving Role of Journalism in Ensuring Political Accountability” WHAT:
Panel Discussion, Live Podcast Broadcast (Open to the Public)
WHEN:
Friday May 19, 2017 / 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
WHERE:
LEVICK 1900 M Street, NW Washington, DC 20036
WHO:
Angelo Carusone – President, Media Matters for America Jordan Cooper (Moderator) – Host, Public Interest Podcast Melanie Kahn – Advocacy Campaigns Executive Director, Phone2Action Richard Levick – Chairman & CEO, LEVICK
WHY:
The rise of ‘fake news,’ ‘alternative facts,’ citizen journalists, a 24/7 up to the second news cycle, social media news aggregators, and the decline of local, traditional press has lead to a drastically different media landscape than that which characterized journalism a generation ago. The First Amendment enshrines the Fourth Estate as an essential bulwark against overreaching government in America’s foundational documents. The Information Age has presented a new set of challenges to our democracy that has changed the function, delivery method, and consumption of news with widespread disagreement on basic facts that leads many Americans to talk past each other. At this time it is appropriate to discuss how citizens and the Media might find their way to Truth while seeking to advance the public interest.
BACKGROUND:
The event will be moderated by Jordan Cooper, Host of Public Interest Podcast, which consists of conversations with cabinet secretaries, journalists, ambassadors, governors, parliamentarians, congressmen, senators, and others who seek to improve the world, striving to provide a meaningful and entertaining window into the inspiration and perspiration that drive a diverse array of individuals to advance the public interest.
Jordan P. Cooper, Host
240-630-0380
[email protected]
Richard Levick Under his leadership, LEVICK has set new standards in global communications and brand protection for corporations, countries, and major institutions. Mr. Levick is one of the communications industry’s most important spokespersons and thought leaders. A powerful advocate for the strategic initiatives that companies must pursue in today’s perilous environment, he regularly addresses corporate boards as well as industry and government leaders around the world, providing guidance on their most complex communications and reputation management challenges. He is featured in, and authors, countless articles, and is a frequent guest on prime time national and international television programs. Mr. Levick is a much-sought after keynote and graduation speaker and is a columnist for the top business blogs including Forbes. Mr. Levick has co-authored five books including, The Communicators: Leadership in the Age of Crisis; Stop the Presses; The Crisis and Litigation PR Desk Reference; 365 Marketing Meditations; and Lessons for Absent Children.
Jordan P. Cooper, Host
240-630-0380
[email protected]
Angelo Carusone Angelo Carusone was named President of , Media Matters for America in December 2016. Previously, he was the organization’s Executive Vice President. As EVP, Angelo exponentially expanded the organization's online footprint, and managed accountability initiatives. In 2016, he took a leave of absence to serve as the Deputy CEO for Finance & Administration of the 2016 Democratic National Convention. In 2009, as a law student, Angelo founded the StopBeck effort, which organized participants via social media to successfully convince sponsors to cease advertising on Beck's show. He joined Media Matters in late 2010 as Campaign Director. He later served as Director of Online Strategy & Campaigns. In his personal capacity, Carusone also launched the viral #DumpTrump campaign in 2012 that was responsible for convincing many of Donald Trump’s business partners to sever their relationships with Trump. He holds a B.A. in American Studies from Fordham University and a J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School.
Jordan P. Cooper, Host
240-630-0380
[email protected]
Jordan Cooper Jordan P. Cooper, moderator of today’s panel discussion, is the Host of Public Interest Podcast has long valued public service. Jordan has been involved with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act across the public and private sectors in hospitals, health insurance organizations, advocacy groups, the state legislature, and physician groups. Jordan ran as a Democratic Candidate for Delegate in the 2014 election cycle. He served as the President of the Luxmanor Citizens Association (2013-2014) and as the Chair of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission Customer Advisory Board. He currently serves on the Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board, the White Flint Downtown Advisory Committee, and the Rockville Selective Service Board. He is an Area Coordinator in District 16 for the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee and is a member of the District 16 Democratic Board. Jordan has a master's degree in health policy from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a bachelor's degree in political science from Vassar College. Jordan was born and raised in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Jordan P. Cooper, Host
240-630-0380
[email protected]
Melanie Kahn Melanie Kahn is the Executive Director of Advocacy Campaigns at Phone2Action, a digital tech start up in the D.C. area. She is responsible for spearheading and driving the creation of partnerships with progressive organizations and leading all efforts to connect institutional stakeholders and supporters to elected officials through digital advocacy. Prior to joining Back on My Feet Melanie spearheaded a campaign at Share Our Strength/No Kid Hungry to combat the root causes of hunger in the United States. She led all research, development and implementation and served as the center of activity for organizational partners, steering committee members and donors. As the Senior Director of the Puppy Mills Campaign for The Humane Society of the United States. Kahn coordinated the organization’s national efforts to combat “puppy mills” by utilizing a multi-pronged approach, which included increasing public awareness through comprehensive media campaigns, building grassroots support and changing laws on the federal, state, and local levels of government. She began her journalism career at Meet the Press and Dateline NBC, and then landed her first full-time news reporting job at an Idaho news station. She went on to work as an Emmy award-winning reporter at television stations in Indiana and Kentucky. Kahn is a licensed attorney in the state of Maryland. She earned her law degree from the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clark School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Tufts University.
Jordan P. Cooper, Host
240-630-0380
[email protected]
