StarTalk Radio: Episode Summary - "Fixing the Internet with Harleen Kaur (Bonus Minisode)"
Release Date: June 20, 2025
Introduction
In this special bonus minisode of StarTalk Radio, hosted by renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, the conversation delves into the intricate landscape of modern news media and the pervasive issue of bias. Neil is joined by Gary O'Reilly, his comic co-host, and special guest Harleen Kaur, the co-founder and CEO of Ground News, a platform dedicated to combating news bias and promoting objective journalism.
The Evolution of News Media
Neil deGrasse Tyson opens the discussion by reflecting on the changing nature of news consumption:
"When I grew up, the news was just the news. And you went on about your life." ([02:13])
Gary O'Reilly echoes this sentiment, highlighting the shift from limited news sources to the 24-hour news cycle pervasive today:
"See, now it seems we live in a constant need for news. It's not just on the hour. It's every hour, 24 hours a day." ([02:26])
Harleen Kaur introduces the concept of news fragmentation, explaining how the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine during the Reagan administration led to the diversification and polarization of news outlets:
"There was a fairness doctrine where the onus was on the broadcasters to actually show all versions of what's really going on. And then it got repealed... because then there wasn't any legal obligation to show all these various versions." ([09:27])
Understanding News Bias
The core of the conversation revolves around identifying and mitigating biases in news reporting. Harleen Kaur elaborates on Ground News' methodology:
"We do not determine the rating that if the CNN is left or Fox is right. We're using third-party rating agencies... we take a statistical average of them and then say, okay, based on these, these rating agencies, that's where the news outlet lies." ([10:35])
She further explains how Ground News analyzes not just the spin of a story but also the lack of coverage, which can indicate underlying biases:
"It's the lack of coverage completely that tells the bias of the outlet." ([11:25])
This approach allows users to see a more comprehensive view of news events by aggregating multiple sources and perspectives.
The Impact of Digital Media and Social Platforms
The discussion shifts to the role of digital media and social platforms in exacerbating news bias. Harleen Kaur points out that the revenue models of modern news outlets, similar to social media advertising, prioritize user engagement over objective reporting:
"They keep showing you again, reinforcing that cognitive bias creating, creating that bubble." ([17:35])
Gary O'Reilly adds that algorithms on social media act as "outrage engines," increasing polarization by continuously feeding users content that elicits strong emotional reactions:
"They know that the more outrage you are, the more time you'll spend on it and, and more likely you are to click." ([26:24])
Strategies to Combat Bias and Promote Media Literacy
Harleen Kaur shares actionable strategies for listeners to navigate the biased news landscape:
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Lateral Reading: Encouraging users to cross-reference information across multiple sources to verify its accuracy.
"Take the news sources and read it across. Even if you don't agree with them, you don't have to." ([22:01])
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Expanding News Consumption: Following diverse news outlets, including those that challenge one's preconceived notions, to uncover "blind spots."
"Find accounts that you might not agree with and they might make you angry, but at least going out and seeing what we are calling blind spots." ([22:01])
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Utilizing Ground News Features: Leveraging Ground News' tools, such as Blind Spots, to identify news stories omitted by favored outlets.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Journalism
The conversation also touches on the dual-edged sword of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the realm of news:
Harleen Kaur acknowledges that while AI can perpetuate biases through algorithms, it also holds potential to enhance journalism by identifying deep fakes and summarizing vast amounts of information accurately:
"AI can help the news by doing things like identifying deep fakes, by giving tools to journalists to produce quality content or take out the bias." ([32:29])
However, she cautions about the challenges of ensuring AI remains an objective tool, free from the biases of its creators:
"If you want to design it to do those things, then you will. If you don't, then it goes in a different direction." ([33:19])
Future of News Consumption
As the episode draws to a close, Harleen Kaur emphasizes Ground News' mission to expand users' news sources and foster a more informed public:
"We have a researcher from Duke University... found out that people's opinions can actually be changed if they're presented with counter to what their beliefs are." ([36:11])
This underscores the platform's goal to bridge information gaps and reduce the echo chambers that currently dominate the news landscape.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Neil deGrasse Tyson offering a "cosmic perspective" on the future of the internet and information dissemination:
"I worry... that it could signal the end of the Internet. When deepfakes become so good and it's known that they're good, that all the people who used to believe the fake news won't believe the fake news anymore because they'll be sure that it was faked." ([38:00])
Despite these concerns, the collaborative efforts of platforms like Ground News, as advocated by Harleen Kaur, provide hope for a more transparent and balanced news ecosystem.
Harleen Kaur can be reached through Ground News' website or mobile app, offering both free and subscription-based access to their tools designed to enhance news literacy and mitigate bias.
Key Takeaways
- News Fragmentation: The repeal of the Fairness Doctrine led to increased bias and polarization in news media.
- Ground News' Solution: By aggregating multiple sources and providing bias and factuality ratings, Ground News aims to offer a more objective view of news events.
- Digital Media's Role: Social media algorithms often reinforce existing biases, creating echo chambers that hinder objective information consumption.
- AI in Journalism: While AI presents challenges in maintaining objectivity, it also offers tools to combat misinformation and improve news quality.
- Promoting Media Literacy: Strategies like lateral reading and expanding news sources are essential for individuals to navigate and understand the complex media landscape.
Subscribe to Ground News or visit their website to explore tools that can help you navigate the modern news landscape with greater awareness and discernment.
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