#30sec to spot fake news

Opening Keynote – Session A 8:45-9:45

Session Description:

The volume of content and information at our fingertips is larger than at any point in human history. Our access to the world has never been as convenient. Yet not all of what we can so easily access is what it appears to be– in fact, plenty of the content that makes its way across our screens every day is intentionally created to deceive us. It’s designed to grab us by our emotions and believe a lie, so its creators can make money. The internet is also chipping away at the foundation of our traditional gatekeepers of credibility, as fake news markets its way into our daily browsing. This session created by the Fédération professionnelle des journalistes du Québec will dive into some examples of fake news, discuss the work journalists do to create credible content, and reinforce the message that taking 30 seconds to examine what you see on the internet helps stop the spread of fake news.

Presenter Bio:

Hugo Rodrigues

Hugo Rodrigues is the managing editor of the Standard-Freeholder, in Cornwall, Ont. In this role, he is part of a four-person newsroom, reporting local news and sports in the communities of the City of Cornwall, United Counties of SDG, and Akwesasne. Prior to joining this team in 2014, he had been the city hall reporter for the Expositor in Brantford, Ont., and covered a variety of municipal and education-related beats at the Sentinel-Review in Woodstock, Ont. His work has been recognized by the Ontario Newspaper Awards, Canadian Association of Journalists awards, and the U.S. Education Writers Association.

Outside of his newsrooms, Rodrigues was on the board of directors of the Canadian Association of Journalists from 2005-18, leading it as president from 2011-15. He continues to volunteer for the CAJ, administering its awards program. He was also a member of the National Newspaper Awards board of governors from 2006-15. He joined the Fédération professionnelle des journalistes du Québec in order to be able to assist in sharing the #30sec message.

Outside of journalism, Rodrigues remains active within competitive lifesaving, volunteering as a technical judge and official at the provincial, national, and international level.

@HugoAPRodrigues