Strengthening Public Immunity to Misinformation Through Quality Journalism

CNN Correspondent to Address Role of Journalism in Fighting Misinformation at UNU Tokyo Event

The United Nations University (UNU) will host a timely discussion on journalism’s role in combating misinformation featuring CNN international correspondent Hanako Montgomery on September 11, 2025. The event, titled “Building Our Immunity to Mis/Disinformation Through Journalism,” comes at a critical moment when digital platforms increasingly accelerate the spread of false information globally.

The hybrid session will take place at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo starting at 18:00 local time, with participants able to attend either in-person at the 1F Annex Space or virtually via Zoom. UNU Senior Vice-Rector Professor Sawako Shirahase will join Montgomery to explore how professional journalism serves as a defense mechanism against manipulation in the digital age.

Montgomery’s appearance is particularly relevant to Japan’s current social climate, which has seen rising tensions around immigration and increasing polarization on social issues. As an award-winning journalist covering Asia for CNN, Montgomery brings extensive experience reporting on women’s rights, politics, economic trends, and social issues throughout the region.

“Professional news organizations play a vital role in verifying information before it reaches the public,” noted a UNU spokesperson. “In today’s media environment, rigorous fact-checking and transparent editorial standards are essential tools for helping citizens distinguish between accurate information and harmful falsehoods.”

The discussion aims to highlight how quality journalism can not only counter misinformation but also foster more constructive public dialogue based on empathy and critical thinking. This approach is increasingly important as echo chambers and algorithmic content delivery systems often amplify divisive narratives across social media platforms.

Before joining CNN’s Tokyo bureau, Montgomery established herself as a prominent voice in East Asian journalism during her tenure at VICE, where she led coverage of numerous significant regional developments. Her work on legal child abuse manga in Japan earned her both a National News & Documentary Emmy Award and a Front Page Award in 2023, establishing her as an authoritative voice on sensitive social issues in Japanese society.

Montgomery previously worked as a reporter for NHK, Japan’s national broadcaster, at its New York office, giving her perspective on both Japanese and American media environments and reporting standards.

The event comes as media organizations worldwide grapple with maintaining public trust while combating sophisticated disinformation campaigns. Recent studies have shown that professional journalism remains one of the most effective tools for correcting false narratives before they take hold in public discourse.

“When journalism functions as intended, it creates an informed citizenry capable of participating meaningfully in democratic processes,” explained media analyst Keiko Tanaka, who studies information ecosystems in East Asia. “Events like this highlight the continuing importance of independent journalism in maintaining healthy public debate.”

Registration for the event is required by September 10 at 15:00, with separate registration links for in-person and online attendance. The organizers note that the session will be conducted entirely in English, with no Japanese interpretation provided. Those attending in person should be prepared to present identification at check-in.

The UNU regularly hosts events examining pressing global challenges through its BIG IDEAS Dialogue series, bringing together academics, practitioners, and policy experts to discuss innovative approaches to complex problems. This particular discussion addresses growing concerns about information integrity in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.