The workshop, jointly organized by the Occitanie Press Club and the City of Pézenas, through the Ambroise Croizat Social Center and the Youth and Prevention service, took place at the Club House Jean-Claude Carayon. It was led by Hélène Bourgon, a journalist, and Thomas Carnicer, a social media specialist.
The meeting began with a discussion about the participants' information habits, followed by an overview of the French media landscape. An interactive debate then allowed participants to take positions on various statements, such as: 'Are influencers and content creators freer than journalists?'
This collective reflection time facilitated the confrontation of viewpoints and encouraged questioning the production, dissemination, and reception of information.
The Esprit'Critik module, implemented by the Occitanie Press Club, aims to raise awareness about information fabrication mechanisms, disinformation, and the uses of media and social networks. The meeting highlighted the value of intergenerational dialogue for a better understanding of each generation's media practices.
Armand Rivière, Mayor of Pézenas, welcomed the event, calling it an 'act of popular education' in line with 'Pézenas of ideas.' He emphasized the importance, 'in an era of alternative truths and massive information influx,' of being able to 'sort, verify, and prioritize news, while praising nuance and proving that critical and civic spirit is built at all ages.'
