Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Media@Risk @ascmediarisk.org · 2h

📆 In two weeks 📆 We investigate the new politics of censorship with @us.theguardian.com columnist Arwa Mahdawi. Secure your spot here: bit.ly/kjsr6 @asc.upenn.edu

Promotional flyer for an event titled 'Networked Incitement and the New Politics of Censorship' featuring Guardian columnist Arwa Mahdawi. The event is on October 22 at 12 pm in ASC Room 500. The background is blue with six white dice showing speech bubble icons, and one red die with an X inside a speech bubble, symbolizing censorship. Logos for the Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania, and the Center for Media at Risk are at the bottom."

Reposted by Media@Risk

Alex Engler @alexengler.bsky.social · 2d

Join our first public event on October 21, 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻!

This is the launch of our event series, designed to share essential research on what ails, and how we can improve, the information environment.

Attend via zoom: mediafragmentation-online.eventbrite.com

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Media@Risk @ascmediarisk.org · 9d

Into film/photography restoration? Don't miss this workshop on restored Senegalese newsreels of the 60s and 70s. Happening this Thursday! @asc.upenn.edu

"Flyer for a Film Screening & Restoration Workshop featuring restored Senegalese newsreels from the 1960s-70s. The event is on Thursday, October 2nd at 5:30 pm at the Penn Museum, Room 345. The flyer highlights films such as 'Senegal and the World Festival of Black Arts' (1966) by Paulin Soumanou Vieyra, 'IFE/3rd Arts Festival' (1971) by Paulin Soumanou Vieyra, 'Senegal Year XVI' (1976) by Babacar Gueye and Orlando Lopez, and 'A Trip with President Senghor to the Antilles' (1976) by Georges Caristan. Speakers include Dr. Mamadou Diouf, Professor of African Studies and History at Columbia University, and Tiziana Manfredi, co-founder of Atelier MamiWata and consultant to Senegal's Cinematography Department. Logos of sponsors, including The Sachs Program for Arts Innovation, CAMRA, and others, are displayed at the bottom. The flyer features images of film reels, historical photos, and Senegalese film posters."

Media@Risk @ascmediarisk.org · 13d

Next month we start our programming with an urgent discussion of self-censorship among journalists with @us.theguardian.comguardian.com columnist Arwa Mahdawi. Secure your spot here: bit.ly/kjsr6

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Media@Risk @ascmediarisk.org · 14d

We are excited to reconvene Center alums: @hannamorris.bsky.social, @muira.bsky.social, @richardstupart.com @drjennhenrichsen.bsky.social @cratebeats.bsky.social @azsaneet.bsky.social @sristovska.bsky.social @rouxpz.bsky.social & more! We hope you can join us! Register here: bit.ly/42NTpii

Beyond Endurance: Reimagining Media Praxis

This year our symposium will envision new possibilities for media research and practice that center creativity, community and hope.

bit.ly

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Media@Risk @ascmediarisk.org · 14d

🚨Fall events are here! Next month, @theguardian.com columnist Arwa Mahdawi speaks on politics of censorship followed by a panel with exiled journalists @kasimkashgar.bsky.social & @youmnaelsid17.bsky.social. Don't miss our symposium in Dec. on media & hope @asc.upenn.edu. Register here! bit.ly/j3f6R

Center for Media at Risk Fall event poster, check link in post for details

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Reposted by Media@Risk

Annenberg School at Penn @asc.upenn.edu · 22d

Rooted in Annenberg’s tradition of academic excellence and public impact, our new master's program — the Master of Communication and Media Industries — offers a chance to develop your skills in research, critical inquiry, and applied practice:

Announcing the Master of Communication and Media Industries (MCMI)

YouTube video by Annenberg School for Communication

www.youtube.com

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Reposted by Media@Risk

Annenberg School at Penn @asc.upenn.edu · Sep 5

Prof. @bzelizer.bsky.social wrote about Penn student journalists' creativity and tenacity in the face of attacks on higher education for the @inquirer.com. www.inquirer.com/opinion/comm... @ascmediarisk.org

How student journalists can help save universities — and journalism | Opinion

Being both a student and a member of the press right now raises new ethical dilemmas. I've seen firsthand how collegiate journalists have met the moment by adapting traditional newsmaking conventions.

www.inquirer.com

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Media@Risk @ascmediarisk.org · Sep 2

📑 new article alert 📑 AI is reshaping grief and labor. In this article, Center alum Jasmine Erdener explores the implications of tech that simulates the dead ...
journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....

Commodifying death: Thanatechnologies as platform workers in the digital afterlife economy - Jasmine Erdener, 2025

Bina48 is the most ambitious manifestation of thanatechnologies, AI systems that digitally resurrect deceased individuals. Online platforms harvest and assemble...

journals.sagepub.com

Media@Risk @ascmediarisk.org · Sep 2

Don't miss @hannamorris.bsky.social talking about her new book - Apocalyptic Authoritarianism - at NYU on September 25th. Register here: bit.ly/46ej8md

Black background with White title: "Apocalyptic Authoritarianism: Climate Crisis, Media, and Power". Three orange circles to left of title

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Media@Risk @ascmediarisk.org · Aug 20

American journalism has serious problems. But how did we get here? @bzelizer.bsky.social’s new book 📚 How the Cold War Broke the News📚 uncovers the surprising roots of journalism’s decline and offers a plan to make it better. Pre-order now: bit.ly/4mqcr68

book cover with a red background featuring four missile silhouettes. The title "HOW THE COLD WAR BROKE THE NEWS" is displayed in white capital letters at the top. Below the title is an image of a folded newspaper. The subtitle reads "The Surprising Roots of Journalism's Decline." At the bottom, the author's name "BARBIE ZELIZER" is written in white capital letters.

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Media@Risk @ascmediarisk.org · Aug 2

We were honored to welcome Jason Walker, @afrolez.bsky.social @moyazb.bsky.social
& India Martin yesterday to center and celebrate Black women and Black queer families through two films: "Out of Focus" and "You Just Watch and See." Thanks everyone for joining!
@asc.upenn.edu

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Media@Risk @ascmediarisk.org · Jul 30

Don't miss @moyazb.bsky.social and India Martin's film screening at @asc.upenn.edu this Friday!

Media@Risk @ascmediarisk.org · Jul 18

Two weeks away! @moyazb.bsky.social & India Martin share their latest documentary film projects at @asc.upenn.edu. Each project centers the everyday magic of Black women and Black queer families’ survival. Register here: bit.ly/46pEoWD

Promotional poster for a film screening titled "Black Stars Shine Bright: Everyday Alchemy." The title appears in white text over a starry background. Below, two film strip-style images are shown: the left depicts a person being filmed through a camera screen, and the right shows another person indoors. Text beneath reads: "A Film Screening with Directors Moya Bailey & India Martin." Event details in yellow text state: "Friday, August 1st, 1:00–2:30 PM" and "3620 Walnut St. | UPenn ASC Room 500."

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Media@Risk @ascmediarisk.org · Jul 18

Two weeks away! @moyazb.bsky.social & India Martin share their latest documentary film projects at @asc.upenn.edu. Each project centers the everyday magic of Black women and Black queer families’ survival. Register here: bit.ly/46pEoWD

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Media@Risk @ascmediarisk.org · Jul 7

Huge congrats to our very own Dr. @ljlincoln.bsky.social on defending her PhD today! 🧠📚 "All the News That’s Fit to Fund" explores how journalism became a philanthropic cause and examines the nonprofit news landscape. Read Louisa's work here: www.louisalincoln.com/work

A person with long blonde hair, wearing a navy blue blazer over a white shirt, stands with arms crossed in front of a building entrance. The word 'ANNENBERG' is partially visible on the building behind them

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Media@Risk @ascmediarisk.org · Jul 7

🎧 Our podcast episodes are now available on Spotify!

From global activism and press freedom to art under authoritarianism, explore the urgent challenges facing media practitioners today.

open.spotify.com/show/536isT5...

@bzelizer.bsky.social @asc.upenn.edu

Media@Risk

Podcast · Media@Risk · We are in uncharted waters. Intimidation threatens media practitioners worldwide, and disinformation campaigns destabilize public trust. The Center for Media at Risk convenes sc...

open.spotify.com

Media@Risk @ascmediarisk.org · Jul 1

New book alert 📚 "Radical Reality: Documentary Storytelling and the Global Fight for Social Justice" by Caty Borum & @dconradperez.bsky.social exploring how documentary storytellers drive movements
bit.ly/4lxqGVU 30% discount code: AUFLY30 @oxunipress.bsky.social

Promotional graphic for the book "Radical Reality: Documentary Storytelling and the Global Fight for Social Justice" by Caty Borum and David Conrad-Pérez. The book cover features an illustration of a film camera with the title in bold red letters on either side. Text on the image announces the new book release and includes a discount code "AUFLY30" for 30% off at Oxford University Press.

Media@Risk @ascmediarisk.org · Jul 1

Join @moyazb.bsky.social and India Martin at @asc.upenn.edu next month, as they share their latest documentary film projects during BlackStar Film Festival Weekend. Each project centers the everyday magic of Black women and Black queer families’ survival. Register here: bit.ly/46pEoWD

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Media@Risk @ascmediarisk.org · Jun 23

📣 The Center for Media at Risk is thrilled to welcome j. Siguru Wahutu and Arwa Mahdawi as our 2025-26 scholar and practitioner in residence this Fall! Their research and writing on media, identity and global justice will shape vital conversations this year. Read more: bit.ly/4k8yahc @asc.upenn.edu

This image shows two individuals in a side-by-side format. Left: j. Siguru Wahutu, wearing glasses and a plaid blazer with red accents, standing outdoors with a blurred urban cityscape in the background. Right: Arwa Mahdawi wearing a navy top with a turquoise beaded neckline, standing indoors against a brick wall.

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Media@Risk @ascmediarisk.org · May 21

🎧 New Podcast Drop! @dassarma.bsky.social and James Salanga highlight the queer and disability justice movements that challenge the ableism shaping journalism. Listen here: bit.ly/4jnYyDu @asc.upenn.edu

A person with red hair, wearing a white tank top and a black cross-body bag, stands against a light-colored wall. They have tattoos on both arms. Overlaid text reads: 'Podcasts', 'Disability, Solidarity and Possibility', 'May 13, 2025', and 'View'."

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Media@Risk @ascmediarisk.org · May 21

This month's critical question comes from Steering Committee member @h-tejas.bsky.social. Tejas's research focuses on mediated activism, digital activism, social media, and platformization. Find out more here: bit.ly/43DxoDE
@asc.upenn.edu

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Reposted by Media@Risk

The Media, Inequality & Change Center @miccenter.bsky.social · May 13

This podcast brings together youth organizers from the #NoArena movement in Philly. Listen to MIC grad fellows Chris Phan and @cmoy11.bsky.social discuss community organizing with these young activists.

Media@Risk @ascmediarisk.org · May 12

Don't miss our latest podcast episode with @miccenter.bsky.social 🎧✨ Chris Phan, @cmoy11.bsky.social and #NoArena organizers reflect on the power of youth organizing & community resilience: bit.ly/43dA61p

Vibrant and colorful entrace gate to Chinatown shot at an angle in Philadelphia, PA, USA, on a sunny Day - Backlight from Sun with Lens Flare; Letters translate "Philadelphia Chinatown". Podcast title: From Campus to Chinatown, Podcast date: May 9, 2025.

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Reposted by Media@Risk

anjali dassarma @dassarma.bsky.social · May 14

new podcast out with @hashtagjames.bsky.social for @ascmediarisk.org + @asc.upenn.edu !! in this pod, james expertly spoke to the intersections between journalism and resistance in queer, disability, and anti-colonial movements. listen here:
www.ascmediarisk.org/media/disabi...

Disability, Solidarity and Possibility – Center for Media at Risk

www.ascmediarisk.org

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Media@Risk @ascmediarisk.org · May 12

Don't miss our latest podcast episode with @miccenter.bsky.social 🎧✨ Chris Phan, @cmoy11.bsky.social and #NoArena organizers reflect on the power of youth organizing & community resilience: bit.ly/43dA61p

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Reposted by Media@Risk

Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · May 2

The latest in our series profiling local journalists around the country features Michelle Pitcher, a Texas Observer criminal justice reporter who shines a light on the state's secretive prison system.

Public records help overcome obstacles to reporting on state prisons

Michelle Pitcher navigates secretive Texas criminal justice system to produce vital investigative reports

freedom.press

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