On April 19, the International Journalism Festival held a panel discussion, featuring independent journalists and editors who have faced significant challenges to counter disinformation and narrative capture in their own countries. As many countries around the world are holding elections this year, panelists discussed how anti-democratic actors are corroding the information ecosystem through the use of AI and media platforms to influence public opinion. To address these challenges, panelists including Maria Ressa, CEO of Rappler and Chairperson of the Steering Committee of the World Movement for Democracy, discussed the role of journalists amidst increasing threats to independent media. “Our information ecosystem pivoted when big tech took over as the gatekeeper from news organizations, and we can’t pretend that’s not the case. When it becomes a battle for facts, journalists are activists.” – Maria Ressa.

Watch the full discussion here.