State Rep. Walker to Host “Fake News” Media Literacy Seminar with Daily Herald, Media Experts

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – In an era of “fake news” that can cloud political discourse, state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, is inviting residents to join a panel of local media experts to discuss media literacy at a seminar scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 19 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Mount Prospect Public Library.

“With so much news and information out there, it’s sometimes difficult to decipher real and false news,” Walker said. “I wanted to organize this event to help inform residents about ways to identify false information and the consequences of so-called fake news. I’m appreciative that local members of our journalism community will be on hand to share their perspectives on this issue.”

Walker will host experts in journalism and mass media for presentations on the topic and a question and answer session including columnist Bob Oswald of the Daily Herald, Harper College journalism professor Maham Khan and Dale Heath of the Mount Prospect Public Library. Heath will explain what “fake news” is and ways to check the validity of information. Professor Khan will discuss the history of “fake news” and its consequences. Oswald will provide the audience the perspective of fighting fake news from the journalism industry.

Who:   State Rep. Mark Walker

            Bob Oswald, Daily Herald

            Maham Khan, Harper College

            Dale Heath, Mount Prospect Public Library

What: Media Literacy Seminar

When: Thursday, Sept. 19; 7 to 8 p.m.

Where: Mount Prospect Public Library; 10 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect