JACKSON, Miss. – A news report by Makenna Mead, a teen from Hernando and member of the MPB Student Council, is part of a new digital series from PBS NewsHour’s youth media initiative, Student Reporting Labs. 

SRL recently launched Moments of Truth, an all-new digital series exploring misinformation and showcasing intergenerational conversations about facts, information, and truth.

The first two episodes showcase young people talking with older generations about their journeys through conspiracy theories and back, while the third episode delves into the pervasive misinformation that seeps into ethnic minority communities.

Mead conducted the interview for Episode two, “How the flat Earth theory pushed me over the edge,” which explores how one Mississippi woman deconstructed her own false beliefs. The report was recently featured on PBS Newshour.

Mead said it “was an amazing opportunity” to work with the SRL team, especially around the topic of conspiracy theories.

“I would like to think my generation is a bit more skeptical than others. Conspiracy theories bother me, and I always cross reference my sources, “ Mead said.

SRL Executive Director Leah Clapman said: “With misinformation proliferating at such a fast rate, and with such profound consequences, it’s important to practice strategies to confront it, especially with people you care about. This series models conversations with respect and curiosity to help young people feel empowered to engage with older generations.”

Mead is currently a student at Northwest Community College. She served on MPB’s Student Council for a year, beginning in September 2021. As part of the project, she and MPB staff members, Jasmine Harvey and Germaine Flood, traveled to Iuka, Miss., to interview Karen Robertson.

“I’m elated that I even got to work with SRL and MPB Education. Coming from a small town, I did not dream something like this was in my future,” Mead said. “Hopefully, I can work with MPB or NewsHour again to help bring to life more stories and help people to tell the truth.”

Supported by the Google News Initiative, SRL will produce more episodes in the coming months. If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please fill out this form.

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