8:00pm-9:00pm on Tuesday 31 March
Times shown are in GMT (UTC +0) up to the 26th March. For events on or after 27th March times are in BST (UTC +1).
Cambridge Union Society, Debating Chamber, 9A Bridge Street, CB2 1UB
In an era of misinformation, algorithmic influence and rapidly shifting political landscapes, the question of what we mean by “truth” has never felt more urgent. In this wide-ranging and thought-provoking talk, Carole Cadwalladr and Carol Vorderman invite audiences to explore how truth is constructed, challenged and defended in the 21st century.
Drawing on their cumulative experiences as investigative journalist, broadcaster, campaigner and writer, they examine the role of media, data, education and power in shaping public understanding. From the rise of social media and artificial intelligence to trust in institutions and expertise, they ask how we can distinguish fact from fiction, and what responsibility we each hold in safeguarding truth in a democratic society.
Accessible, incisive and engaging, this Cambridge festival talk blends personal reflection with sharp analysis, offering both challenge and clarity at a time when certainty can feel hard to find. Audience questions and discussion will form a key part of the evening.
CAROL VORDERMAN MBE
Carol Vorderman is a British broadcaster, writer and social commentator known for her long-running role on Countdown, as well as her work across television, radio and print. A passionate advocate for education, she has authored numerous bestselling books on mathematics and learning, and has campaigned extensively on issues including political accountability, media literacy and social justice.
A graduate of the University of Cambridge, Carol is an alumna and Honorary Fellow of Sidney Sussex College. She is widely respected for her ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and conviction, and for using her public platform to encourage informed, critical engagement with the world.
CAROLE CADWALLADR
Carole Cadwalladr is a British author, multi-award winning investigative journalist, powerhouse and features writer. At The Observer. Cadwalladr rose to international prominence in 2018 for her role in exposing the Facebook–Cambridge Analytica data scandal, for which she was a finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize.
For the last ten years she has been investigating what she terms the "right-wing fake news ecosystem”. Carole is part of a new network The Nerve and her Substack “How To Survive the Broligarchy” is one of the leading political voices on the platform. Few know more about tech and its influence on our democracy than Carole.
