CMT at MoAD's ‘Truth, Power & a Free Press' exhibition

CMT features at Truth, Power and a Free Press exhibition at MoAD

Words from Peter Fray on display at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, as part of the Truth, Power and  Free Press exhibition, November 2019:

​​​​Feelings over Facts:

"Have we reached the moment in time when what a person feels about ‘the facts’ means more to them than the facts themselves? Or worse still, they are only interested in the facts that fit in with their own feelings?

I am not saying there is no place for emotion in public debate – or journalism. But if we can’t all agree on the facts, how can we make informed, understandable decisions?

This dynamic presents a challenge and opportunity. The news media is duty bound to honour facts. Seeking facts is what journalists do: that some prove more elusive than others only serves to make the job even more vital to civic society. But journalism also needs readers, listeners and viewers; it needs people who are willing to engage, click and share. Hopefully, some are even willing to pay for it.

You can see the dilemma: play to the crowd and you’ll get more clicks, shares and engagement. But now is the moment to celebrate truth-seeking – and avoid the temptation to privilege emotion over facts."

Peter Fray, University of Technology, found of Politifact Australia and former editor-in-chief of the Sydney Morning Herald