The Press’s Critical Role in a Healthy Democracy

In a time of heightened distrust, how can media outlets reclaim the public’s confidence? We hear from a longtime journalist.

February 25th 2021, Aspen Ideas Festival.

Longtime journalist and Washington Post executive editor Martin Baron speaks with Vivian Schiller, the executive director of Aspen Digital.

Rebuilding Trust in a Skeptical Era

It’s an understatement to say that the last president had a contentious relationship with the press. As the Biden era gets underway and we explore ideas about democracy, we asked Martin Baron, executive editor of the Washington Post, to reflect on the role of the press in a healthy democracy. In a time of heightened distrust, how can media outlets reclaim the public’s confidence? Will social media companies step up and take responsibility for the spread of disinformation? What’s the government’s role in mitigating fake news? Baron speaks with Vivian Schiller, executive director of Aspen Digital. As he prepares to retire from the Post at the end of the month, Baron reflects on a 45-plus year career in journalism.