Forum Panel on Trust, AI, and the Rise of the Creator Economy

How do leaders earn trust in an era where artificial intelligence, independent creators, and fragmented audiences are transforming the way people consume information? Recorded live at the Embassy of Austria in partnership with the National Digital Roundtable, this special panel episode brings together host Anthony Shop with Jenny Abamu, Maryland Policy & Politics Reporter at WAMU 88.5; Katerina Eva Matsa, Director of News & Information Research at Pew Research Center; Tony "TonyPinDC" Polcari, Principal and On-Air Host of Current Strategy at Monumental Sports & Entertainment and Fox 5 DC; and Peter Cherukuri, Founder of LeaderForce Studios. Together, they examine how journalism, content creation, and technology are reshaping public trust and what leaders must do to remain credible in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Drawing on frontline reporting, original research, media strategy, and digital storytelling, the panel explores why authenticity is increasingly outperforming polished messaging, how local journalism continues to earn trust through community connection, and why creators are becoming influential voices alongside traditional institutions. The conversation also examines AI's growing role in content creation, emphasizing that while technology can accelerate research and production, trust is still built through human relationships, transparency, and sound judgment. For executives, communicators, and organizational leaders, this episode offers practical insights into building credibility, adapting to new platforms, and communicating effectively in an information environment defined by constant change.

Host: Anthony Shop
Guest: Jenny Abamu, Katerina Eva Matsa, Tony Polcari, Peter Cherukuri
Producer: The Communications Board
Sponsor: The George Washington University College of Professional Studies

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Transcript