ProPublica’s Melissa Sanchez to discuss journalism ethics and covering immigration The Center for Journalism Ethics will host a public event – “Reporting on immigration in times of crisis: Wisconsin and beyond” – at 6:30 …
Ethics lessons from a rock historian
The rock and roll history podcast that’s an ongoing course in journalism ethics…
Reporting on injustices in an era of misinformation: A Q&A with Deborah Douglas
By Margaret Shreiner In an increasingly fragmented media system, journalists are often called on to combat the spread of misinformation and harmful narratives about underserved communities. Deborah Douglas, director of the Midwest Solutions Journalism Hub …
As AI changes the media landscape, how can local news keep pace?
By Margaret Shreiner In July 2025, an article in the Wisconsin State Journal containing incorrect information and several factual errors about a development plan for downtown Madison, was published on the front page of …
In memoriam: Carol Toussaint ‘51, board member and friend
Carol Toussaint, a founding board member for the UW Center for Journalism Ethics and an unparalleled force for good, died in November 2025. We are grateful to have been one of many organizations …
Ethical labor, broken institutions: Journalism amid financialization
A Q&A with Margot Susca By Abby Youran Qin There’s the familiar story about the decline of local news: the internet arrived, audiences left and newspapers slowly faded. But Margot Susca’s book reveals a far …
Reporting on addiction? Maia Szalavitz has some advice.
By Ella Hanley Don’t rely on law enforcement as a primary source. That’s the first piece of advice Maia Szalavitz has for journalists reporting on drug addiction. “It shouldn’t be a crime issue in the …
It’s political, not medical: Rethinking coverage of political leaders’ health
By Abby Youran Qin When John Fetterman returned to the Pennsylvania Senate race after his stroke in 2022, his first televised debate became a national media moment. On stage, he addressed his recovery directly …
Q: What’s the point of journalism now? A: History
By Samuel G. Freedman Eight months into Donald Trump’s second term in the White House, POLITICO broke an explosive story about the president’s nominee to lead the Office of Special Counsel. The scoop by …
In defense of journalism
By Keith Woods On Friday, September 26, 2025, the UW Center for Journalism Ethics hosted its 16th annual conference “Journalism Ethics in a Fracturing World.” Keith Woods, recently retired as the chief diversity officer …