As the digital age reshapes the foundation of modern-day democracy, Bakersfield College hosted a Digital Age Democracy: A Media Literacy Symposium event on Oct. 24, that showcased different panels that presented their own individual take on media democracy to spread information to attendees.
Meetings were held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. via zoom or in person in the Levan center with an array of food and coffee for attendees. Each panel discussed and informed the power of social media, the spread of misinformation and the impact of civic engagement.
The specific panel “Why Democracy Needs Local News to Survive” explores the topic of the need of news for democracy. This panel was able to simplify democracy and journalism to better understand the concept of how the two worlds need one another.
The panel was hosted by Emma Gallegos, who went in depth giving ways to show interest with democracy after the election emphasizing that democracy is not over after the election and requires attention. Students are highly encouraged to attend public government meetings, do their own research and keep up with local news.
Gallegos gave insight informing attendees that it is important to pay attention to what is happening locally. Advising students that, it is important to know what is happening in the world but also to acknowledge the local issues around the community.
The local news was acknowledged, showing the importance that it has brought to the community. Gallegos explained that the local news fights for access to public meetings to keep citizens informed of the government’s activities.
As the digital age has grown unfortunately meaning that local newspapers are not doing so great Gallegos points out. Over the years the US has lost over two hundred newspaper publications and over two hundred counties do not have their own local newspapers.
Gallegos acknowledged the importance of local newspapers for the community and for democracy to shape and inform.
“People who follow the news tend to be more attached to community and will be more likely to vote,” Gallegos stated.
It is important for students to be informed about the community that surrounds them while also helping to make the world a better place by simply getting involved.