Fake News Tallahassee Takeover
Last year, SPJ Florida introduced its Fake News Game Show to the public — letting journalists and non-journalists alike take part in a round of news trivia.
Now, we’re bringing it to the state capital.
Through a partnership with The Tallahassee Democrat, we’ll be holding the city’s first-ever Fake News Game Show on Feb. 16.
“I thought the Fake News Game Show would be something local consumers of news would find engaging and exciting,” SPJ Florida Vice President of Membership Ryan Dailey said. “In a capital city that is at times the center of political activity in Florida, between the 2018 legislative session kicking off and a longtime state senator resigning amid recent highly publicized sexual misconduct allegations, a discussion about fake news packaged in a fun, participatory activity couldn’t come at a better time.”
Dailey will be hosting the game, which is free and open to the public. There will also be free food from local favorite, Midtown Pies, and a prize for the winning team.
“Anyone and everyone should participate, from students at our local colleges, to the reporters here from all over the state covering the legislative session,” Dailey said.
Throughout 2017, SPJ Florida brought the game show across Florida — hosting rounds in Fort Lauderdale, Davie, Boca Raton and Orlando.
“I think the Fake News Game Show is important because it sheds a light on how, in the digital-first climate of news today, fake news can be created in such a convincing way and in significant volume,” Dailey said. “I believe it highlights the need for news literacy.”
Vice President of Programming Emily Bloch hosted a round of the game at the 2017 fall College Media Association Convention in Dallas, Texas and will bring it to the spring New York convention this March.
The Fake News Game Show was also recently featured by Poynter as a digital journalism tool.
“I hope the outcome of the event will lead to more people seeking out credible local and national news, paying attention to reputable bylines and learning to spot weak and shoddy sourcing,” Dailey concluded. “If we as journalists can usher in an era of reader with a keen sense of quality and ethical reporting, we all benefit.”
The Fake News Game Show – Tallahassee will take place on Friday, Feb. 16 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Tallahassee Democrat, 277 N Magnolia Drive, Tallahassee, 32301. Teams of two to four people can register from 7 to 7:30 p.m. (If you don’t have a team, we’ll help you form one!).
Parking will be available in the staff/visitor parking lot as well as the main parking lot. Participants will enter through the newsroom door, to the left of the main lobby entrance. The event is free and open to the public.
Want to bring the Fake News Game Show to your city? Email SPJ Florida President Christiana Lilly.