The Record to participate in panel discussion about identifying misinformation on March 14 at local library

Misinformation is the scourge of productive discussion and debate — even more so during election season.

With local elections approaching, the Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane, is welcoming information experts and community leaders to address the topic at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, with the event Fact, Fiction or Opinion?: How to Become a Well-Informed Voter and Citizen.

The panel discussion, co-hosted by the League of Women Voters of Glenview and Glencoe, will focus on media literacy, how “to find unbiased, factual information in an oversaturated media landscape,” according to a description on the library’s website.

“For over a century, the League of Women Voters has promoted civic education and participation; however, effective citizen participation is only possible with access to reliable information,” said Debbie De Palma, of the LWV Glenview-Glencoe. “In today’s media landscape, it can be challenging to separate fact from fiction. This panel discussion aims to equip attendees with the skills to discern the truthfulness of the news they encounter to be better prepared to make informed decisions in the voting booth and at public meetings.

“The League believes a well-informed citizenry is essential for a healthy democracy.

The expert panel features: Michael Spikes, director of Northwestern University’s Teach for Chicago journalism program; DeMario Phipps-Smith, a journalist and senior manager of community learning at the News Literacy Project; and Joe Coughlin, co-founder and editor in chief of nonprofit community news outlet The Record North Shore.

The in-person event will be held in the library’s auditorium and also streamed live on YouTube. Those who register will receive a link to the live stream closer to the event.

Complementing programs will be offered by the Glencoe and Glenview libraries later in 2023.

“Nothing is more powerful than a properly informed electorate,” Coughlin said. “Unfortunately, too many people and groups are reckless and dishonest with the information they release — and releasing information is simpler than ever. It is difficult to know what to believe, but there are ways to identify credible news and ways to spot irresponsible and fake reporting.”

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