Navigating Geopolitics and Global Threats: Journalism’s Evolving Role in Preserving Democracy

Monday, 28 September 2026 | 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Room 102, Accolade East Building, Keele Campus, York University

With Carmela Fonbuena, investigative journalist and 2026 Marshall McLuhan Fellow for Excellence in Journalism

The presentation will discuss the critical role of journalism amid great power competition, focusing on its function to protect the integrity of information as publics are increasingly targeted by disinformation and influence operations to distort public opinion in favor of authoritarian interests. In the Philippines, journalists continue to explore effective strategies to engage increasingly disengaged audiences, including meaningful collaborations with pro-democracy groups to combat these threats.

Over the course of her career now spanning more than two decades, Carmela has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public-interest journalism, accountability reporting, and the defense of press freedom in the Philippines.

Through her investigative work and editorial leadership, she has consistently produced rigorous, impactful journalism that has helped readers better understand issues of governance, corruption, human rights, and democratic accountability.

As a long-time journalist and editor, Fonbuena has shown exceptional courage and professionalism in pursuing stories of significant public interest, often under difficult circumstances, including her immersive reportage from the frontlines of the Marawi conflict. Her reporting has contributed to informed public discourse, by her exhaustive reporting on campaign finance. Equally important, she has served as a mentor to younger journalists, helping to foster a culture of ethical, evidence-based reporting in an increasingly challenging media environment.

Hosted at York University by the Philippine Studies Group at the York Centre for Asian Research.

The McLuhan Fellowship Program is the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines’ flagship media advocacy project, in partnership with the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility. First launched in 1997, the program has been promoting excellence in journalism in the Philippines for the past 28 years.”

For more information: philippinestudiesgroup[at]yorku.ca