Champion of Free Speech and Journalism Margaret Talev Leads Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship

'Cuse Conversations

Margaret Talev covered American politics and the White House for 30 years, including working the campaign trail for presidential elections in 2008, 2012 and 2016 as a White House correspondent for Bloomberg News and McClatchy Newspapers. As Talev watched the events of Jan. 6, 2021, unfold, she wondered how thousands of her fellow citizens could stage a protest based on misinformation. In the aftermath, Talev wanted to focus her career efforts on the relationship between the news being produced and consumed by voters and how that impacted their views on democracy and governance. Talev was eventually hired to lead the Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship (IDJC), a joint effort of the Newhouse School and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Talev discusses the mission and vision for the IDJC, how distrust in election results and politicians is at an all-time high, the importance of voters becoming media literate, the role citizens can play in addressing issues facing our democracy and the challenges artificial intelligence poses.