About this Event
What's at stake when news becomes click-bait? In a data-driven world where success is often measured by likes and shares, news outlets are fighting for eyeballs. In the race against fleeting attention spans, what’s the risk when the news that gets noticed isn’t the most important?
Journalist Ben Smith discusses his acclaimed book Traffic: Genius, Rivalry, and Delusion in the Billion-Dollar Race to Go Viral with writer/CBC host Elamin Abdelmahmoud. Smith provides an insider's look at two of the most influential news organizations in the world, The New York Times and BuzzFeed in this partnered event with the Canadian Journalism Foundation. With his unique vantage point, Smith offers an unvarnished account of the struggle to balance journalistic integrity with commercial success in an age of social media and viral content.
What happens when traffic is a determining factor in deciding editorial content? What stories aren’t getting their rightful attention? And how can we ensure that journalistic integrity outweighs popularity?
Join the conversation.
This event is part of our new series exploring what’s at stake when intellectual freedom is threatened.
Q&A and book signing to follow. Books available for purchase.
Ticket registration for this event is required: Free tickets for this event will be available to book via Eventbrite beginning on May 1 at 9:00 am ET.
About this event's guests:
Ben Smith
Elamin Abdelmahmoud
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This event is part of our On Civil Society series, where we host local and international authors, activists and academics in conversation about the most critical topics of our time. Generously supported in part by Chris M. Reid.
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Note: This is an in-person event at The Bram and Bluma Appel Salon, the premiere event space for Toronto Public Library's cultural and heritage programming located on the second floor of the Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street).
Arrive early, meet people. The talk starts at 7pm, but doors open at 6pm. Come early so you can chat with your fellow literature lovers, and make new friends. As with all Appel Salon events, we'll have a bar with a selection of beer and wine, as well as snacks, available to purchase (only debit and credit cards accepted).
Reminder! We oversell these events to make sure that the most people have an opportunity to attend. Tickets are only guaranteed until 15 minutes before the show starts, at which point we will start opening up available spots to the rush line.
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Accessibility at Toronto Public Library:
Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks’ notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email [email protected].
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library, Toronto, Canada
CAD 0.00
