In this panel discussion previously presented at the Women in Media 2023 National Conference, we bring back our academic and media industry experts to dismantle the issues of technology we are most curious about. Facilitated by Professor Monica Attard OAM, they’ll clarify the often-discussed implications, advantages and alarm bells we all need to keep in mind.

Professor Monica Attard OAM is Co-Director of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Centre for Media Transition and a professor of Journalism at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a Gold Walkley Award for Excellence in Journalism. Monica spent 28 years at the ABC, working across radio and television.

The speakers bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the discussion about legal, ethical and future implications of technology on the media industry. The highly regarded academics include:

Dr Evana Wright will address how the law can help preserve creativity in an AI and tech-led world. Evana is a UTS Senior Lecturer in the UTS Faculty of Law researching in the fields of intellectual property, the protection of Indigenous traditional knowledge, as well as the regulation of technologies such as IoT devices and databases.

Michael Davies will delve into generative AI addressing concerns of misinformation and disinformation as this technology becomes more sophisticated. Michael is research fellow at the UTS Centre for Media Transition where he leads the Information Disorder research program. He previously worked at the Australian Communications and Media Authority, where he provided regulatory advice on online misinformation and disinformation, the news media bargaining code, and impartiality and commercial influence in news.

Lisa Main is a former journalist and award-winning producer in Australia, the US and the Middle East. Lisa was recently a Senior Advisor to Malcolm Turnbull and together they have released a podcast series DEFENDING DEMOCRACY. Prior to joining Mr Turnbull Lisa was the Director of Grants at the Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas. As ABC Digital Editor she drove content creation and distribution strategy for new platforms and audiences for programs including Four Corners and Australian Story. She has worked on major international investigations including the Panama Papers and founded the ABC’s Fact Check Unit. She holds a Masters in International Relations from Sydney University.

Join us for an insightful and invigorating discussion on how the issues of technology might impact those working in media and the broader society.