At Media Party Chicago 2023, Jennifer Brandel argued that rather than attempting to rescue declining traditional newsrooms, the media industry must pivot toward civic media. Citing initiatives like Outlier Media and City Bureau, she illustrated how involving residents, artists, and librarians directly in information creation empowers communities to address their own local challenges.
While artificial intelligence offers unprecedented efficiency, Brandel warned that relying solely on technology risks turning civic life into a purely transactional experience. She introduced the concept of Actual Experience (AE), emphasizing that face-to-face relationships and direct human connection remain irreplaceable foundations for building genuine public trust.
Looking ahead, Brandel highlighted that while AI can optimize workflows, it completely lacks the capacity to care. She urged media makers to invest in human-centric roles and balance technological efficiency with human-centered care, framing empathy and deep listening as the ultimate safeguards for journalism in an automated age.
Don’t miss the full presentation! Watch Jennifer Brandel’s Keynote at Media Party Chicago 2023.
