CMT at MoAD's ‘Truth, Power & a Free Press' exhibition
CMT features at Truth, Power and a Free Press exhibition at MoAD
![Museum of Australian Democracy Old Parliament House logo for exhibition 'Truth, Power and a Free Press: Can you tell the truth?'](/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg_generic_large_x1/public/2019-11/MoAD-Free-Press-web-1140x380px.jpg?itok=7VKaE4sA)
Words from Peter Fray on display at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, as part of the Truth, Power and Free Press exhibition, November 2019:
![Image of the display text of Peter Fray's quote entitled "Feelings over facts"](/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg_generic_large_x1/public/2019-11/Untitled%20design%20%286%29.png?itok=9spLjCo1)
MoAD exhibits "Feelings over facts" quote from Peter Fray
Feelings over Facts:
"Have we reached the moment in time when what a person feels about ‘the facts’ means more to them than the facts themselves? Or worse still, they are only interested in the facts that fit in with their own feelings?
I am not saying there is no place for emotion in public debate – or journalism. But if we can’t all agree on the facts, how can we make informed, understandable decisions?
This dynamic presents a challenge and opportunity. The news media is duty bound to honour facts. Seeking facts is what journalists do: that some prove more elusive than others only serves to make the job even more vital to civic society. But journalism also needs readers, listeners and viewers; it needs people who are willing to engage, click and share. Hopefully, some are even willing to pay for it.
You can see the dilemma: play to the crowd and you’ll get more clicks, shares and engagement. But now is the moment to celebrate truth-seeking – and avoid the temptation to privilege emotion over facts."
Peter Fray, University of Technology, found of Politifact Australia and former editor-in-chief of the Sydney Morning Herald