The critical role of facts and the future of journalism took centerstage on Thursday at the University of Nevada, Reno when the winner of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize, Maria Ressa, warned the audience that once freedoms are lost, they are hard to get back.
“What are you willing to sacrifice for the truth? Because if you don’t stand up and protect your rights, you will lose them,” she said.
Hosted by the Reynolds School of Journalism, the panelists included Claudia Cruz, managing editor of Noticiero Móvil; Caesar Andrews, professor and Leonard distinguished chair in media ethics and writing; and Derek Raridon, executive director of The Nevada Sagebrush.
The Co-Founder and CEO of Rappler, Ressa answered questions centered on topics such as freedom of the press, the evolving media landscape, and the ethical challenges journalists face in an era dominated by artificial intelligence and social media misinformation.
Ressa emphasized the critical role of facts in preserving democratic institutions and the growing threat posed by disinformation campaigns.
“Without facts, you can’t have truth. Without truth, you can’t have trust. Without these three there’s no shared reality,” she said, warning about the dangers of social media algorithms in dividing society.
She also addressed the increasing influence of technology on the human brain.
“The plasticity of our brains is being changed by technology. But I have faith in the next generation,” Ressa said. “Build your body of knowledge, build your communities, because that will stay with you long after the digital noise fades away.”
Ressa, who has faced legal persecution in the Philippines for her investigative reporting, spoke about the sacrifices required to uphold press freedoms. She encouraged journalists and students alike to consider their personal roles in defending democratic values.
The event concluded with a call to action for students and media professionals to build real-world communities around trusted information, resist digital manipulation, and protect journalistic integrity.
“While everyone may be afraid for a little while; [but] courage also spreads,” Ressa says in response to a student question. “We’re not asking everyone to be a hero. We’re asking everyone to protect their rights, to protect their families.”