Martin Thür to discuss journalism’s role in democracy

ORF “ZIB 2” presenter Martin Thür will discuss the role of journalism in democracy at an event in Linz on Monday evening, ORF reports. The broadcaster will stream his talk live from 7 p.m.

The event opens the Media Action Days, which focus on media literacy and fact-based journalism. Workshops at the Ursulinenhof venue in Linz and the Private Pedagogical University of the Diocese of Linz will give students from grade eight upwards an insight into newsroom work and how to identify misinformation.

In his keynote, Thür will address why critical journalism matters to democratic processes, including its role in scrutinising political power, presenting different perspectives and dealing with disinformation.

After the talk, Thür will join Alexandra Halouska, editor-in-chief of Kronen Zeitung in Upper Austria, and Wolfgang Braun, deputy editor-in-chief of the Oberösterreichische Nachrichten newspaper, for a panel discussion. Stefan Hartl, editor-in-chief of ORF Upper Austria, will moderate.

The Media Action Days are organised by the Upper Austrian Press Club and the Upper Austrian Education Directorate. Participating outlets and organisations include ORF Upper Austria, the Oberösterreichische Nachrichten, Kronen Zeitung, LT1, Life Radio, MeinBezirk.at, Austria Press Agency, Welt der Frauen, Radio FRO, Freies Radio Freistadt, DORFTV and Tips. The programme also includes contributions from the Upper Austrian Debate Club, the Forum Media Education and the Bad News Game.

Workshop topics include fake news, debate culture, gender-inclusive language and social media. Students will learn to assess journalistic content critically and create their own media contributions.