The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

The Conversation launches in Brazil

  • Written by Misha Ketchell, Editor, The Conversation
The Conversation launches in Brazil

In a recent article[1] in the Sydney Morning Herald, Alan Sunderland, a former editorial director at the ABC, put his finger on the ethical crisis facing the media: “In 2023, you can’t talk about the problems of the world without talking about polarisation, disinformation and conflict. The media, far from being seen as a solution to those problems, is generally recognised as being part of them.”

Everyone paying any attention knows he’s right. According to the latest Reuters Digital New report[2] trust in news is falling and active avoidance of the news media remains high. When Q&A presenter Stan Grant recently quit the ABC he said he feared that by working in the media he was becoming part of the problem. (He’s since signed up to lead a project at Monash University[3] aimed at furthering constructive journalism.)

Much of what we read online is determined by algorithms that reward conflict but never contemplation. Everywhere people are talking about whether we have lost our ability to talk to each other in a way that is respectful and constructive. (Read, for example, the terrific Quarterly Essay by Scott Stephens and Waleed Aly[4] on the lack of civility in public debate).

The Voice debate is already showing signs of rancour. We tolerate robust discourse as the price of deliberative democracy, but we have a problem if we can’t disagree without attacking the other side’s intelligence, morality, or right to exist. When did we lose the ability to give fellow human beings the benefit of the doubt? Accusing those with whom we disagree of elitism, ignorance or cynicism gets us nowhere.

At The Conversation we have been working to bring about a better informed and more constructive public discourse since we launched in 2011. Our mission is to help people make more informed decisions by providing access to the best information and analysis from academic experts.

But there’s a bit more to it than that. We aim to be impartial while presenting a range of perspectives. We aim to serve our readers by informing them. We place a high value on being constructive, showing respect and contributing to a strong social fabric while trying hard not to take sides. We know we will never get it exactly right in everyone’s eyes – but the pursuit of this Sisepheyan challenge is what drives us.

And every now and then you have a little win and it all seems worthwhile. Since The Conversation launched in Melbourne in 2011 we have grown around the world, with teams in New Zealand, large parts of Africa, Spain, France, the UK, US, Indonesia and Canada.

Yesterday we welcomed a new team to our fold, working in Brazil[5] and publishing in Portuguese, our fifth language. Our new colleagues in Brazil join a growing global network of journalists and academics trying to be part of the solution to the problems facing journalism and the societies we serve. We wish them well.

Ps. While I’m on the topic of not always getting it exactly right, we’d love to hear how you think we’re going and where we could improve. Please take a few minutes to respond to our reader survey[6].

References

  1. ^ recent article (www.smh.com.au)
  2. ^ Reuters Digital New report (reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk)
  3. ^ a project at Monash University (www.monash.edu)
  4. ^ Quarterly Essay by Scott Stephens and Waleed Aly (www.quarterlyessay.com.au)
  5. ^ working in Brazil (theconversation.com)
  6. ^ reader survey (www.surveymonkey.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/the-conversation-launches-in-brazil-212963

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Tricia Paoluccio designer to the stars

The Case for Nuturing Creativity in the Classroom, and in our Lives I am an actress and an artist who has had the privilege of sharing my work across many countries, touring my ...

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by resp...

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...