Radio Personality Talks About Finding Truth in Media

Relevant Radio's Sheila Liaugminas captivated an intimate audience at Saturday afternoon with her wisdom and grace. The topic of the day? Truth in media. And Liaugminas is certainly an expert.

Liaugminas has been awarded an Emmy for her journalistic talents in both print and broadcast media. Discussing sensitive topics such as politics, faith and the media, she has written for Time magazine, the Chicago Tribune and Catholic New World, along with many others. Liaugminas hosts “A Closer Look” on Relevant Radio, where she interviews a variety of experts on current events.

The Parent Association of Kingswood brought Liaugminas in as part of a family education program for parents, explained Principal Lisa Grundon. Liaugminas started by asking the audience to question the truth in the news they are presented with, instead of believing it with blind acceptance. Using the headline, “The World's Oldest Man Dies at 114” as an example, Liaugminas asked, “How do we know?”

Media coverage determines what the people know about and often how they feel about a subject. Liaugminas used the genocide in Rwanda as an example. Because it received little attention from the media in America, people were relatively unaware of it. She stressed that the media has a moral responsibility to speak, in order to give people the power to act.

“Words have consequences,” Liaugminas repeated throughout her speech.

Words can cue the reader how to feel about a certain topic. Liaugminas criticized National Public Radio for only allowing their employees to use the words "pro-choice" or "anti-choice" in reference to abortion instead of the usual "pro-choice" and "pro-life" labels. These kinds of word choices have a powerful effect over the opinions of readers and listeners, she said. (In a statement dated March 10, 2010, NPR says that on-air, its correspondents do in fact use the terms "pro-choice" and "pro-life." Its website follows AP Style, which uses "anti-abortion" and "abortion rights.")

She asked people to stay behind what they know to be right and wrong and to challenge the media. An audience member asked Liaugminas if he thought it was worthwhile to write to advertisers when they are promoting something unethical. She responded by urging people to do what they can.

“Our energy is best spent being proactive,” Liaugminas said.

The crowd asked the radio host dozens of questions, looking for advice on Facebook and raising their children. Liaugminas received warm applause from the room.

Liaugminas's show “A Closer Look” airs every weekday at 5:00 p.m. on Relevant Radio.