Trust in News: Journalism’s Battle Against Misinformation at The Great Debate

In an era marked by increasing polarization, Students’ Union UCL is taking steps to promote thoughtful dialogue through a special event focused on tackling misinformation and its threat to democratic institutions.

The Union has partnered with the “Disagreeing Well” initiative and their Impartial Chairs program to host an evening centered on constructive debate featuring prominent media experts. The event aims to address concerns that resonate strongly with today’s student population.

For 2026, organizers have selected a timely focus: examining how misinformation endangers liberal democracies across the globe. This comes at a critical juncture when traditional news consumption habits are shifting dramatically, particularly among younger generations who increasingly rely on social media as their primary information source.

The discussion will explore how algorithm-driven news feeds—often populated with AI-generated content designed to maximize user engagement rather than provide balanced information—are reshaping public discourse. Panelists will address the concurrent decline in trust toward established media outlets throughout Western nations, a trend that correlates with the rise of populist movements and deepening societal divisions.

Among the central questions to be examined: How is misinformation affecting contemporary politics and society? What responsibilities do traditional journalism and media outlets bear in an environment of rapid technological and social change? Is media literacy becoming an essential survival skill for citizens of democratic nations?

The event has secured a distinguished panel representing diverse perspectives from across the media landscape. Ros Atkins, known for his work with BBC News, Radio 4, and BBC Verify, will participate. Atkins, who recently authored “The Art of Explanation,” brings extensive experience in public broadcasting and fact-checking initiatives.

Joining him will be Meera Selva, a seasoned journalist and researcher who currently serves as CEO of Internews, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting independent media worldwide. Selva’s background in promoting press freedom and media development in challenging environments offers valuable insight into global information challenges.

The panel will also feature Oli Dugmore, founder of Politics Joe and Digital Editor for New Statesman. As a political commentator who has built platforms bridging traditional and social media approaches to political coverage, Dugmore represents the evolving media landscape that many students engage with regularly.

Rounding out the group is Sophia Smith Galer, a digital journalist and content creator who has successfully navigated both traditional and emerging media formats. As an author who frequently addresses how information spreads in digital spaces, Smith Galer brings perspective on how younger audiences consume and interpret news.

This event reflects growing concerns about information integrity in an age when determining fact from fiction has become increasingly difficult. For university students—who are both heavy consumers of digital content and future leaders in a complex information landscape—understanding these dynamics is particularly relevant.

The Students’ Union initiative comes amid broader efforts by universities to equip students with critical thinking skills necessary for navigating contemporary information challenges. By bringing together experts from established media organizations, digital platforms, and research backgrounds, organizers hope to present a multifaceted view of both the problems and potential solutions.

The timing of this event aligns with intensifying global debates about the responsibility of technology platforms, the future of journalism, and the skills citizens need to participate meaningfully in democratic processes increasingly influenced by digital information flows.