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Lecture by CNN host on the role of news media in democracy headlines upcoming Menard Family Center for Democracy virtual events

Brian Stelter

A lecture on the role of a free press in American democracy anchors a series of virtual public events being presented this month by Miami University’s Menard Family Center for Democracy.

Brian Stelter, chief media correspondent for CNN Worldwide and host of CNN’s weekly program Reliable Sources will present the Menard Family Center’s Fall Lecture entitled “The Role of the Media in American Democracy,” on Monday, October 19, at 7 p.m.  Recently named to “Forbes Magazine’s” “40 Under 40” list for his impact on American politics and media, Stelter is a former media reporter for the “New York Times” and executive producer of the recent HBO documentary “After Truth: Disinformation and the Cost of Fake News.” His lecture will focus on the news media’s role in democratic governance and America’s longstanding commitment to freedom of the press.

Other Center events in October will provide local residents with opportunities to interact with public officials and explore important civic issues.

On Tuesday, October 13, at 6:30 p.m., the Center will partner with the “Journal-News” and the League of Women Voters of Oxford to present a “Meet the Candidates Night” featuring candidates running in Butler County for the U.S. House of Representatives and various state and local offices. 

On Wednesday, October 14, at 7 p.m., a public “Town Hall with Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose,” who will discuss the upcoming election in Ohio and answer questions posed by voters from across the region. Questions for Secretary LaRose may be submitted in advance by email to MenardFamilyCenter@MiamiOH.edu.

On Thursday, October 22, at 11:40 a.m., Sasha de Vogel from the University of Michigan will present a lecture entitled “The Limits of Repression,” which will examine recent events in Belarus and how those political developments reflect on that nation’s broader prospects for democratization and political reform. This event is co-sponsored by the Miami University Havighurst Center for Russian and Post-Soviet Studies.  

On Monday, October 26, at 7 p.m., the Center along with Miami University Regionals’ Michael J. Colligan History Project will present “Pandemics in Historical Perspective,” an online panel discussion in which experts from academia, government and community-based organizations will examine the current coronavirus pandemic and how past public health crises in America may inform how we respond today.

The Menard Family Center for Democracy is a joint project of Miami University’s College of Arts and Science and its College of Liberal Arts and Applied Science. The events are free and open to the public. Registration is required at MiamiOH.edu/regionals/MenardEvents.

Additional information is available by email at MenardFamilyCenter@MiamiOH.edu.