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Join TSPR for a weekly conversation about media issues. News Director Rich Egger and expert panelists discuss what’s in the news about the news business.

Free speech & responsibility

Podcasters, talk shows hosts, etc, use their First Amendment right of free speech to share information. In some cases they use that right to spread misinformation, which raises the question of whether they should be held responsible for misleading their audience.

Poynter raises that question in a recent commentary about podcaster Joe Rogan, who is quoted as saying, “I talk (expletive) for a living — that’s why this is so baffling to me. If you’re taking vaccine advice from me, is that really my fault?”

Poynter’s commentary noted that Rogan must realize he is incredibly influential among his devoted listeners. Thus, he has a responsibility to make sure that what is said on his podcast — by him and guests — is not harmful and dangerous.

Shop Talk is a weekly panel discussion about journalism issues.  This week’s program featured Will Buss, who teaches in the Department of Broadcasting and Journalism at Western Illinois University and advises the student editors at the Western Courier, the students at student radio station The Dog, and the WIU chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists; Rajvee Subramanian, who teaches in the Department of Broadcasting and Journalism at Western Illinois University; and TSPR News Director Rich Egger.

Rich is TSPR's News Director.