Disinformation, Elections & Democracy: How journalists can spot and disarm current tactics to influence voters

Election Day 2024 will be one of the most consequential in U.S. history, and disinformation campaigns loom large in influencing millions of Americans on what’s really at stake when they head to polls this fall. Journalists across the country must be prepared with the skills to pre- and debunk conspiracy theories, misinformation, and more — well before Nov. 5. 

Register now to join the National Press Club Journalism Institute for a practical look at current tactics used by disinformation specialists to disrupt the 2024 election and what journalists can do to counter them. This virtual session, to be held 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 1, will empower journalists with the tools to challenge election-specific disinformation and lies with tact and authority while respecting audiences who may be vulnerable to such campaigns. 

Participants will learn: 

• The most prevalent current election disinformation tactics: What they are and how to counter them
• How election administration and other public officials are addressing disinformation tactics with the public
• How news organizations have found success in halting the spread of lies
• How to talk about disinformation in ways that instill trust among communities traditionally underserved by mainstream media

Confirmed speakers include:

• Tina Barton, senior elections expert, Committee for Safe and Secure Elections
• Yael Eisenstat, senior fellow at Cybersecurity for Democracy and PEN America consultant 
• Christine Fernando, democracy reporter, Associated Press 
• Sheera Frenkel, technology reporter for the New York Times 
• Chad Lorenz, editor-in-chief, Votebeat

This program is part of the Institute’s four-part training series focused on ethics in the age of disinformation. The series, produced in part with funding from the Inasmuch Foundation, is designed to provide tools and best practices to support ethical, trustworthy journalism. 

If you have questions about this program, please email National Press Club Journalism Institute Executive Director Beth Francesco at [email protected].

About NPCJI

The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged global citizenry through an independent and free press, and equips journalists with skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire a more representative democracy. As the nonprofit affiliate of the National Press Club, the Institute powers journalism in the public interest.