The new media moguls – how the tech sector took over journalism

Social media connects us to friends and family, and gives us an unprecedented window to the wider world. But how much do we really know about how social media, and the barons who run these platforms, shape our views and our communities? Former newspaper editor and current Meta advisor Alan Rusbridger sheds light on the question of whether social media is strengthening democracy – or strangling it. 

Social media is now an inextricable part of our lives. It provides many social goods: connection to friends and family; more touchpoints to the world previously available only via mass media. 

Yet the initial promise that social media might support democracy is souring, as increasing amounts of misinformation and disinformation flourish on these platforms. 

With distrust in both legacy media and social media on the rise, how do we stay informed and maintain a civil society? 

Alan Rusbridger is deeply interested in this question. Long-time editor-in-chief of The Guardian UK and current editor of Prospect Magazine, his achievements span traditional print media as well as The Guardian’s transition to a digital-first newspaper. A supporter of social media from its earliest days, Alan also serves on Meta’s Advisory Group. 

On a recent visit to Australia, Alan discussed nothing less than media and the future of democracy with Mark Scott in a live event at the University of Sydney. 

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The Solutionists is podcast from the University of Sydney, produced by Deadset Studios. Keep up to date with The Solutionists by following @sydney_uni on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. 

This episode was produced by Liam Riordan with sound design by Jeremy Wilmot. Supervising producer is Andrea Ho. Executive editors are Kellie Riordan, Jen Peterson-Ward, and Mark Scott. Strategist is Ann Chesterman. Thanks to the technical staff at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Media Room. 

This podcast was recorded on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For thousands of years, across innumerable generations, knowledge has been taught, shared and exchanged here. We pay respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

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