In this interactive seminar, we explore how media consumption—what we watch, read, scroll, and share—shapes our understanding of the world and each other. Over the past two decades, the media landscape has become increasingly partisan, sensational, and divisive, with news and social media fueling polarization and even straining personal relationships. Through discussion, real-world examples, and hands-on activities, we’ll examine how media influences our beliefs, how to recognize bias and misinformation, and how to become more thoughtful, responsible media consumers in an age of information overload. This program is being presented with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

Kenneth "Ken" Reid was a journalist and publisher with over 40 years of experience covering the FDA and life sciences industries, managing multiple newsletters, books, and a publishing business. He also served in local government in Virginia, authored a book on local elections, and holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and a B.A. in political science from Rutgers.