About
Fifty years ago, two-thirds of Americans trusted news media. Today, that number is at an all-time low of less than one third. Moreover, research shows that Americans believe our fragmented information landscape is the biggest threat to democracy—and our most intractable challenge.
On April 9-10, 2024, the LBJ Foundation and More Perfect hosted a two-day conference, Trust. News. Democracy.
The program explored the challenges our media landscape poses to our democracy, with topics ranging from diminishing sources of trusted local news and a pundit-driven, highly partisan 24/7 cable news environment to the myriad problems created by social media, including a lack of algorithm transparency, the dangers faced by minors, and national security concerns.
Notably, the summit focused on solutions to these problems, pulling together a group of national stakeholders to present ideas on reforms that will allow for a healthier news and information ecosystem—and a stronger nation.
Generous Support Provided By
More Perfect is an alliance of 28 Presidential Centers, National Archives Foundation, American Academy of Arts & Sciences, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Karsh Institute of Democracy at the University of Virginia, and more than 100 partners that have freely chosen to unite around a big idea — the advancement of five foundational Democracy Goals to protect and improve our democracy. In addition to formulating comprehensive plans around each of the DGs, More Perfect has co-hosted events at the George W. Bush Presidential Center, Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, William J. Clinton Presidential Library, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library, and Obama Democracy Forum on Trusted Elections, Civic Learning, National Service, and Local News, respectively. Established by President and Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson in 1969, the LBJ Foundation is a nonprofit organization comprised of a board of trustees and administrative staff that supports the LBJ Presidential Library and the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. All bearing our 36th President's name, these three institutions—the LBJ Foundation, the LBJ Presidential Library, and the LBJ School of Public Affairs—preserve Lyndon B. Johnson's consequential legacy while pursuing his hopeful vision for the future. Full details: Tuesday, April 9 | Wednesday, April 10 Participants and schedule subject to change
Partners
More Perfect
LBJ Foundation
Conference Schedule