Knox County Public Library presents Truth and Consequences: Film and conversation on news and information integrity

Knox County Public Library is pleased to present Truth and Consequences: film and conversation on information integrity in today’s world from April 25-28, 2024. All events are free and open to the public.

With AI, deep fakes, and online influencers adding to the already complex landscape of media disruption and information integrity, the Library is partnering with experts to take a close look at how news and information have changed in the last decade. This is a follow-up to its 2016 symposium.

Screening and Discussion: A Tennessee Waltz: Ray Blanton’s Last Dance

Thursday, April 25 | 7-9 | East Tennessee History Center (601 S. Gay Street)

Murder-for-hire and paid pardons—discover a Tennessee governor’s buried history in WVLT’s first-of-its-kind investigation into former Governor Ray Blanton and his administration. This hour-long documentary shares the story of the shocking allegations and the unprecendented early inauguration of Governor Lamar Alexander.

The media played an important role in exposing the scandal. How does the current enviornment of media distruption and changes in local journalism factor into these kinds of investigations today?

Joining us to discuss the scandal and its impact are:

WVLT’s Brittany Tarwater, anchor and creator of this documentary
Tom Humphrey, a veteran journalist and UPI reporter during the Blanton administration
Hal Hardin, US Attorney during the Blanton administration

Panel Discussion: AI, Deep Fakes, Online Influencers & Political Communication

Friday, April 26 | 9:00 – 10:30 | East Tennessee History Center

Evolving technologies and social media practices have impacted our news and information in unprecedented ways. With technological advances, it’s more important than ever to learn how to identify and verify legitimate news sources. Join us for an insightful panel discussion presented by UTK’s Information Integrity Institute with:

Ben Horne, PhD
Mariea Hoy, PhD
Mike Kotowski, PhD
Catherine Luther, PhD
Martin Riedl, PhD

Conversation: First Amendment, Social Media, and Democracy

Friday, April 26 | 10:45 – noon | East Tennessee History Center

Social media seems to be pushing the limits of the first amendment, but where is the line? Recent court decisions have weighed in on the subject. Join us for a conversation about the intersection of democracy, free speech, and social media.

Presenters:

Glenn Reynolds, author of “Social Media Upheaval” (2019), is the Beauchamp Brogan Distinguished Professor of Law at UTK.

Jesse Mayshark is the co-founder of “Compass“, an online news site that provides news, insights and analysis of Knoxville and Knox County government, politics and business

Screening: “Marie” (1985)

Sunday, April 28 | 3:30 – 5:00 | Central Cinema (1205 N. Central St)

Sissy Spacek stars as whistle-blower Marie Ragghianti in this dramatized story of the federal investigation of the pardon and parole corruption under Tennessee Governor Ray Blanton. PG-13. Presented by TAMIS.

Truth and Consequences was made possible through partnership with these organizations: