A free media is inextricably linked to a healthy democracy, but in many parts of the world liberal democracies are deemed to be dying or on the decline – enabled by many forms of media whilst they herald themselves as democracy’s saviour. This hollowing out of democracy has left many people questioning the value of (neo)liberal democratic societies and what we can do about it?

Join Natalie Fenton as she explores the potential of our media and tech systems to be democratic and contribute to a just and transformative democracy. 
By interrogating different media and their relationship to seven key elements of democracy – power, participation, freedom, equality, public good, trust, and hope – Natalie will ask what is the response of society when the ability of news media to speak truth to power has been restricted by corporate logic? And, how do we tackle a deep-rooted market logic that shifts public debate towards private interest and marginalises progressive perspectives?

Natalie Fenton

Natalie is Professor of Media & Communications at Goldsmiths, London and Co-Director of the Goldsmiths Leverhulme Media Research Centre. Her research addresses the role the media play in the formation of identities and democracies.
She is also a founding member of the Media Reform Coalition, and vice-chair of the Board of Directors for the campaign group Hacked Off, and also Co-Director of the new Centre for the Study of Global Media and Democracy.

Natalie will be signing copies of her latest book, ‘Democratic Delusions’, which will be available to purchase on the night.

This event will take place upstairs in the Nightingale Room at The Grand Central Pub, Brighton. Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair access to the venue.

• DOORS OPEN: 7:00pm

• TALK STARTS: 7:30pm

• AUDIENCE Q&A: 8:30pm

• BOOK SIGNING: 9:00pm