Media Distortion Exposed Uncovering the Forces Behind Polarisation

In an era of rapid technological progress and increasing digitalisation, the spread of distorted facts poses a major challenge to public discourse and social cohesion. Misinformation spread through traditional media, social media and other digital platforms has the power to create distorted perceptions of reality, influence public opinion and deepen ideological divides. Such distortions can seriously undermine democratic processes and erode trust in reliable sources of information, with negative consequences for public policy and societal stability. Social media platforms, through their algorithms, often amplify these distortions by prioritising sensational and divisive content that can spread misinformation rapidly. Traditional media can also exacerbate the problem through biased reporting that reinforces existing prejudices and conflicts. In addition, the financial interests behind media organisations can exacerbate polarisation, creating a complex web of influences that distort reality and mislead the public. This complicates efforts to combat misinformation and maintain a well-informed society.
This session will explore the impact of distorted facts on social polarisation and trust. It will examine how misinformation contributes to the fragmentation of public opinion and the erosion of trust in media and institutions. The discussion will also focus on strategies to address these challenges, including improving media literacy and promoting accountability.


Moderator:Maria Ramos

Speakers:
1. Claudio Cappon Secretary General, COPEAM
2. Gilles Marchand Former Director General, Swiss Broadcasting Corporation
3. Ziad Makary Minister of Information, Lebanon
4. Gregoire Ndjaka Director General, African Union of Broadcasting