Speaking Truth to Power: The Free Press in a Changing World

Speaking Truth to Power: The Free Press in a Changing World is an in-person evening presented by the MD Two-Fifty Commission and Maryland Humanities. The program examines the role of journalism in a democracy, the meaning of a free press, and growing tensions between news organizations, journalists, and government. A keynote by veteran journalist Terry Moran will be followed by a panel discussion with experienced reporters and media educators.

The event also includes viewing of the Revolutionary Maryland: Freedom of the Press Then and Now traveling exhibition, living-history interpretation, information about archaeology that supported the exhibition’s research, and hands-on activities.

When: Wednesday, November 18

Showtimes: Exhibition viewing and hands-on activities from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.; keynote presentation and panel beginning at 7:00 p.m. The event runs until 8:30 p.m.

Venue: Maryland Hall, Main Theatre, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis, MD 21401

Tickets: Price not available

Format: In person

Run time: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes

Keynote: Terry Moran, a veteran journalist who spent nearly 28 years at ABC News as Chief White House Correspondent, Chief Foreign Correspondent, co-anchor of Nightline, ABC News Live anchor, and Supreme Court correspondent. He is also the founder of Real Patriotism, an independent media platform focused on reporting truth and the challenges facing American democracy.

Panelists: Ian Cameron, former executive producer for ABC News and the CBC and an organizer supporting the First Amendment; Dr. Yanik Lamb, a journalist, educator, and author who has worked for The New York Times and Atlanta Journal-Constitution and served as chair of Howard University’s Department of Media, Journalism and Film; and Lisa Stark, a former network news correspondent for ABC News, Al Jazeera America, and the PBS NewsHour who is now a documentarian and free-press activist.

Program: The discussion addresses who qualifies as “the press,” how citizens can determine whom to trust, the future of press freedom, court rulings, lawsuits, Justice Department investigations, restrictions on reporter access, anti-press statements by government officials, and attacks on journalists. Cameron and Stark are also involved in efforts to organize veteran journalists in defense of the First Amendment and encourage a national conversation about threats to a free press.

Exhibition activities: Guests can explore Revolutionary Maryland: Freedom of the Press Then and Now, learn about living-history interpretation and archaeological research connected with the exhibition, and take part in hands-on activities.

Organizer: Maryland Humanities

Accessibility and transportation: The page identifies the program as in person and provides options for driving, public transportation, biking, and walking, but does not provide further accessibility information.