Is democracy in danger: How American media found its way in and how it can begin to get out

It's an indelible moment that poses the question: Is democracy in danger? On Jan. 6, 2021, as Congress met to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election, a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol. Inside, they roamed the historic halls, ransacking offices and searching for lawmakers. Outside, they were smashing news cameras. It was the height of a cycle of polarization and distrust in some of the strongest examples of democracy that we have, free and fair elections and free speech.

Dominik Stecula is an assistant professor of political science at Colorado State University. His research focuses on the intersection of political communication, political behavior and science communication in the American media. Stecula recently spoke on CSU’s The Audit podcast about the changing way people look at the media and democracy.