Robert Giles wrote his 2020 book “When Truth Mattered” about his experiences as a journalist covering the Kent State shootings. Fifty years later, when journalists are under attack from the very highest levels of government, the book is a reminder of why journalism — especially local journalism — is one of the last great guarantors of our democracy.
Giles (left) will be at the National Writers Series Tuesday, Nov. 10, for a free, virtual event starting at 7 p.m. ET. To register, go to the National Writers Series website via bit.ly/BobGiles or register at TCIAF.com.
The event is presented in partnership with the International Affairs Forum of Traverse City. The conversation will be simulcast on Interlochen Public Radio, 91.5 FM in Traverse City; 90.1 FM in Harbor Springs and 89.7 FM in Manistee and Ludington.
Giles was the young managing editor of the Akron Beacon Journal on May 4, 1970. His staff, writing stories that ran counter to most others, won a Pulitzer Prize for their coverage. Giles’ writing is absorbing and meticulous; he writes eloquently not just about the Kent State coverage, but of reporters and editors passionate about the truth and its importance to democracy and an informed nation. “When Truth Mattered” takes you inside the turmoil and drama of the newsroom. Join us on Nov. 10.
Guest host for the event is Cynthia Canty (right), an Emmy award-winning radio and TV journalist, anchor, and morning personality in Detroit. Now retired, she was host of WUOM’s program “Stateside” from 2012-2019.