Last month, inewsource joined San Diego State University in sponsoring “Truth, Lies & Ethics in Times of Crisis,” a public forum and debate about how citizens can hold their government accountable to provide honest and essential information.
Is it ever alright for the government to lie? To tell only part of the truth? Is it a problem that public relations professionals outnumber journalists today four to one? How can we feel confident that we’re getting the real story about such vital topics as ebola?
These were some of the questions tackled by the panel, which was moderated by inewsource reporter Joanne Faryon. Nearly 200 students and members of the public attended.
The panel was anchored by Charles Lewis, veteran investigative reporter and producer and founder of the Center for Public Integrity, in Washington, D.C.
A best-selling author, Lewis’ most recent work — the product of 10 years of research and writing — is now out with the provocative title, “935 Lies: The Future of Truth and the Decline of America’s Moral Integrity.” Lewis is also a member of the inewsource board of directors.
Joining Lewis on the panel were Walt Ekard, retired chief administrative officer for the County of San Diego; Lorie Hearn, executive director of inewsource; and Major Staci Reidinger, a media relations specialist with the Marine Corps.
The entire debate clocks in at a little under an hour and is available to view in its entirety below.
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