Chapter 3: Protecting Democracy, Ep. 1

In January, more than a year after the insurrection, U.S. President Joe Biden finally and forcefully addressed the failed attempt to overthrow democracy. In his remarks from Statuary Hall, where the House of Representatives meets, he noted the sculpture of Clio, the muse of history, with an open book, recording the events as they play out before her.

Above him – above us – over that door leading into the rotunda is a sculpture depicting Clio, the muse of history, in her hands, an open book in which she records the events taking place in this chamber below. Clio stood watch over this hall one year ago today, as she has for more than 200 years.

She recorded what took place – the real history, the real facts, the real truth…

Let’s stop there for a moment… she observed, she recorded, but she didn’t speak out or take any step to  it. You don’t have to be a poet to see the parallels with journalism.

When democracy is under assault, what should journalists do? Will we protect democracy or just watch what happens?

From observer to protecting democracy, that’s the focus of Chapter 3 of the markup by mediaverse.

Despite the egregiousness of the insurrection, our country has witnessed other seminal moments where we have asked whether the press could have done more. The Civil Rights Movement, for example, serves as a prime example of the media can change the conversation, the mood, and the momentum of the moment.

To talk more about that, we’re joined by two award-winning journalists: Donna Ladd, the founding editor and executive director of the Mississippi Free Press, and Otis Sanford, Hardin Chair of Excellence in Economic and Managerial Journalism at the University of Memphis and commentator for ABC 24.

Donna Ladd, the founding editor and executive director of the Mississippi Free Press. Bio.

Otis Sanford, Hardin Chair of Excellence in Economic and Managerial Journalism at the University of Memphis and commentator for ABC 24. Bio.