Our society faces a critical juncture. On one hand, we are in a moment of rapid technological advancement that creates greater communication, information sharing, and numerous democratic possibilities. On the other hand, we see a collapsing commercial model for journalism, monopolistic platforms that spread misinformation with little accountability, more economic insecurity, and a debased political process.
Recognizing these potentials and perils, the Media, Inequality and Change (MIC) Center — a collaboration of the Annenberg School for Communication at Penn and Rutgers School of Communication and Information — launched with a two day, multidisciplinary conference that gathered scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and activists focused on understanding this conjuncture from structural and historical perspectives, while also offering viable strategies for social change.
The fifth panel, entitled “The Road Ahead,” reflected on contemporary challenges and considered the potentials and perils for social change. Panelists discussed directions for future action and collaborative opportunities for scholars and activists in the years ahead.
Moderator: Chenjerai Kumanyika, Assistant Professor of Journalism and Media Studies, School of Communication and Information, Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Panelists:
Helen Gym, Councilmember, City of Philadelphia
Juan González, Professor, School of Communication and Information, Rutgers University-New Brunswick & Co-Host of Democracy Now!
Marc Lamont Hill, Professor, Temple University
