With AI, deep fakes and online influencers adding to the already complex landscape of media disruption and information integrity, the library is partnering with area experts to take a close look at how news and information have changed in the last decade. Knox County Public Library is pleased to present Truth and Consequences: A series of film and conversations on information integrity in today’s world from April 25-28, 2024. This is a follow-up to its 2016 symposium. All events are free and open to the public.

Screening and Discussion: A Tennessee Waltz: Ray Blanton’s Last Dance

Thursday, April 25 | 7-9 | East Tennessee History Center (601 S. Gay Street)

Murder-for-hire and paid pardons – discover a Tennessee governor’s buried history in WVLT’s first-of-its-kind investigation into former Gov. Ray Blanton and his administration. A discussion of the documentary and the role of the media in exposing the scandal follows with film creator, WVLT’s Brittany Tarwater, and veteran journalist Tom Humphrey.

Panel Discussion: AI, Deep Fakes, Online Influencers & Political Communication 

Friday, April 26 | 9-10:30 a.m. | East Tennessee History Center

Presenters from CCI Information Integrity Institute, UTK:

Conversation: First Amendment, Social Media and Democracy

Friday, April 26 | 10:45-noon | East Tennessee History Center

Presenters:

Glenn Reynolds, author of Social Media Upheaval (2019), is the Beauchamp Brogan Distinguished Professor of Law at UTK.

Jesse Mayshark is the co-founder of Compass, an online news site that provides news, insights and analysis of Knoxville and Knox County government, politics and business.

Screening: Marie (1985)

Sunday, April 28 | 3:30-5 | Central Cinema (1205 N. Central St)

Sissy Spacek stars as whistle-blower Marie Ragghianti in this dramatized story of the federal investigation of the pardon and parole corruption under Tennessee Gov. Ray Blanton. PG-13. Presented by TAMIS.

Truth and Consequences was made possible through partnership with these organizations:

  • Institute of Information Integrity, UTK
  • Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs, Institute of American Civics
  • WVLT
  • Compass
  • Leadership Knoxville
  • Friends of the Library
  • East Tennessee Historical Society

Mary Pom Claiborne is assistant director for marketing, communications and development for Knox County Public Library