Back in 2016 legacy journalistic institutions struggled to define our changing political climate. There were debates over when racism could be named racism, or when a lie could be called exactly what it was – a lie. As the nation grapples with rising anti-LGBTQ legislation and laws, ongoing mass shootings, and continued movement towards authoritarianism in the Republican party, the ability of the fourth estate to rise to the occasion is called into question.

We discuss journalistic institutional preparedness, and the role media literacy plays in speaking plain truths. We're joined by assistant professor of broadcast journalism and critical race media literacy expert Christine McWhorter.