In this episode of From Here Forward, hosts Carol and Jeevan sit down with award-winning journalist, author, and UBC School of Journalism, Writing, and Media Director Kamal Al-Solaylee to examine the state of modern media. From the role of journalism in democracy, to AI, citizen reporting, and the rise of disinformation, Kamal offers candid insights into how the industry is changing—and how journalism schools are preparing the next generation. They also explore the tension between free press and financial pressures, diversity in newsrooms, and why media literacy matters more than ever in a world of information overload.

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Contact Carol
• Contact Jeevan
• From Here Forward
• Podium Podcast Company
• UBC School of Journalism, Writing and Media (JWAM)
• Kamal Al-Solaylee
• Intolerable: A Memoir of Extremes
• Brown: What Being Brown in the World Today Means (to Everyone)
• Return: Why We Go Back to Where We Came From
• The Guardian

• (00:00 ) - Intro
  


• (00:53 ) - Who is Kamal Al-Solaylee?
  


• (01:17 ) - Media’s Role in a Healthy Democracy
  


• (02:41 ) - What Is a Free Press Today?
  


• (06:40 ) - When a Free Press Is Compromised
  


• (08:11 ) - Citizen Journalism & Labels
  


• (13:29 ) - Rebuilding Trust & Newsroom Diversity
  


• (16:41 ) - Training Journalists, Careers & the Gig Economy
  


• (20:16 ) - Propaganda vs. Disinformation & Media Literacy
  


• (27:31 ) - Most-Trusted Newspaper
  


• (29:10 ) - Host Reflections
  


• (30:31 ) - Closing & Credits