In April 2019, a group of four visitors from Tajikistan arrived in town as part of an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) titled Countering Disinformation. Their national program dealt with the best practice in investigative journalism and supporting diversity and inclusion in journalism. Their local project covered these topics and added in was a bit of Pensacola warmth and hospitality.
To start the local itinerary, the group received a welcome at Pensacola City Hall. Former journalist and current City Council Member Ann Hill, Public Information Specialist Allie Norton, and City Council Executive Don Kraher provided shared a brief history of the area and touched upon the local economy and current demographics. The group also attended Mayor Robinson’s weekly press conference.
Following the press conference, the group volunteered with Serving the Hungry at First United Methodist Church where Coordinator Katie Ramsey and her volunteers explained the structure and the need for the service. The group then joined the Serving the Hungry team to distribute meals to the less fortunate.
To focus on American media, the group met with a variety of local professionals. WEAR-TV News Anchor Bob Solarski gave an overview of area broadcast journalism. La Costa Latina Editor & Founder Grace McCafery facilitated discussion on how the media can target local minorities to provide them with news while WUWF Public Radio Station News Director Sandra Averhart discussed the topic of radio news coverage and its operational practices and standards. Dr. Willie Tubbs, Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of West Florida, discussed how media responsibility is taught at the university level and shared the history of “fake news” in America with the group. InWeekly publisher Rick Outzen spent time with the group discussing investigative reporting. He highlighted examples of responsible investigative journalism, countering misinformation at the local level, and best practices in keeping the public informed on important issues.
To balance their agenda, the group also attended an evening Bands on the Beach concert and explored the National Naval Aviation Museum. Drs. Megan & Jerry Pratt and Cookie Kitchler hosted dinners for the visitors, and the group also attended an informal networking coffee with locals while Volunteer Facilitator Susan Senkarik added an extra layer of hospitality to their experience.
Countering Disinformation was a great way for many in the community to get involved with the IVLP and helped introduce the journalists to life in a mid-sized community.
