What does it take to be a happy writer? In 1958, Roland Barthes described Voltaire as the “last happy writer”. Barthes didn’t literally mean he was immensely joyful, but rather that he was a composed philosopher and an untroubled writer. Voltaire was even mocked by his fellow member of the Pantheon of Writers, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who was frustrated by what he saw as Voltaire’s complacency. But Voltaire’s writings are now considered to go beyond abstract philosophising, veering towards becoming essential interventions for moral and social purposes. Read full article here
Research
Improving media literacy could boost trust towards the news, IMPRESS report suggests
The UK media is regulated by the likes of IPSO and Ofcom. The report by press regulator IMPRESS highlights the link between low levels of media literacy and trust in the news. The study found that three quarters of those who did not know if journalists were regulated did not trust the news. It suggests that improving media literacy is one way to stem the erosion of trust, and shows that audiences have an appetite for information on news processes. Stakeholders need to collaborate in order to rebuild trust in the news, and independent media is well placed to do this. Read full article here
Merv
February 1, 2023
