14. Erosion of trust in traditional media institutions - Lawrence Eppard

How we can try to make sure news enlightens rather than enrages usHow do we stay informed without falling into the traps of outrage media and political polarization? With the rise of misinformation, disinformation, and biased news coverage, navigating the media landscape has never been more challenging. Outrage-inducing content, driven by engagement algorithms, dominates our screens and threatens to distort our understanding of the world. It’s no wonder trust in media is declining while voters struggle to separate fact from fiction.In this episode, I sit down with Shippensburg University Professor Lawrence Eppard to explore these critical issues. As the Director of the Connors Forum for a Healthy Democracy and host of our sister show, Utterly Moderate Podcast, Eppard brings deep insights into the complexities of news literacy and how we can confront the challenges of media distortion, political bias, and social media hype. Together, we unpack how extreme rhetoric and sensationalized content amplify divisions and undermine our ability to engage constructively across political differences.If you've ever wondered how to stay informed without becoming consumed by outrage or how to foster healthier democratic discourse in the face of political violence and media-driven conflict, this episode is for you. Tune in to gain practical tools for navigating today’s information landscape while preserving your mental health and sense of balance.Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, DavidSupport the showShow Notes:https://outrageoverload.net/ Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email [email protected]. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.comHOTLINE: 925-552-7885Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episodeIf you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverloadAlso check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...