Evan Smith: Under the Microscope: Government, Media, and Public Education Reform
Channel: Houston A+ Challenge
Date: 2013-04-30

As Texas lawmakers convene for the 83rd Legislative Session, their every move is being watched, analyzed, and reported on by a small but diligent corps of reporters. Likewise, as new education policies and other innovations reform the day-to-day practice of schools, media coverage can lend both credibility and skepticism to nascent initiatives. How does media coverage of today's hot topics -- the school funding lawsuit, school choice, teacher evaluations -- influence our public debates and our overall perceptions of public schools?

Evan Smith is CEO and editor-in-chief of The Texas Tribune. Previously he spent nearly 18 years at Texas Monthly, stepping down in August 2009 as the magazine's president and editor-in-chief. He currently hosts Overheard with Evan Smith, airing on PBS stations nationally.