How much can we trust what we see, hear, and read in the news today? What exactly is news in our crowded media world? Join Sirken, a journalist with 45 years of experience at the highest levels of media, for an in-depth exploration of today's media universe. In this interactive class, we'll discuss how news is covered across newspapers, websites, and major TV networks. Are there objective facts, or is all news shaped by perspective? We'll trace the evolution of news from Walter Cronkite to modern outlets like The New York Times, Fox News, Politico, and YouTube. Participants will be encouraged to engage, ask questions, and complete "homework" assignments, like reading or watching specific media. Together, we'll dive into the challenges and opportunities in navigating today's complex media landscape. This program is being presented with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

Alec Sirken is an Emmy-winning television producer and reporter with nearly 40 years of experience, including 27 years at CBS News where he produced for 48 Hours and worked as an Asia bureau producer based in Tokyo and Beijing. A Northwestern Medill School of Journalism graduate, he has covered major events such as the 2004 Asian Tsunami, SARS in 2005, and 9/11, and earned awards for investigative reporting during his early local news career.