SMIDGE Roundtable with Journalists and Media Representatives in Brussels

In recent years, digital platforms have become fertile ground for the spread of radical ideologies, conspiracy theories, and extremist narratives. These narratives increasingly target and engage individuals aged 45–65—a demographic with significant influence on public discourse. The SMIDGE Project (Social Media Narratives: Addressing Extremism in Middle-Age), launched in March 2023 under the Horizon Europe programme, is the first research initiative to focus specifically on this age group. It investigates how online narratives evolve and how they can be effectively countered through evidence-based strategies. With a focus on scalable, evidence-based tools and educational interventions, SMIDGE brings together partners across Europe to build digital resilience, promote democratic values, and inform future policy. As the project approaches its final phase, disseminating these results to key multipliers is essential to ensure impact beyond academia and policy circles. Journalists play a pivotal role in shaping narratives, raising awareness, and avoiding unintentional amplification of extremist discourse.

Proposed Objectives

1. Disseminate SMIDGE’s key research findings most relevant to media practices, with a focus on online behaviours and narrative exposure among middle-aged audiences (45–65). 
   

Share insights from SMIDGE research, with emphasis on:

• Media framing of radicalisation and its societal impact.

• Understanding the 45-65 age group, why have they been ignored in research/media and policy making and why this is a dangerous omission.

• Risks of misrepresentation and sensationalism.

• Best practices for balanced and accurate reporting.

• Examples of effective narratives that counter extremist messaging.

• Raise awareness of the risks of misrepresentation and sensationalism in reporting on radicalisation, disinformation, and conspiracy theories.

• Raise awareness of the influence of the middle-aged in both radicalisation of young people and as key decision-makers.

• Provide journalists with practical tools, recommendations, and examples of effective narratives that strengthen social cohesion and counter extremist messaging.

• Facilitate dialogue and knowledge exchange between researchers, civil society and journalists on challenges and responsibilities in covering radicalisation and extremism.

• Raise awareness of evidence-based methods to strengthen journalism’s preventive role.
  

Proposed Agenda (1h45)

• Welcome and Introduction – INEU (5 min)

• Presentation of Key Findings – Dr. Sara Wilford, DMU (20 min)

• Research insights tailored to media audiences.

• Practical recommendations for journalists.

• Roundtable Discussion (40 min)

• Journalists’ perspectives on reporting challenges.

• The invisible demographic, vulnerable, powerful, ignored.

• Exchange on ethical and practical dilemmas.

• Bridging gaps between research and practice.

• Interactive Session (30 min)

• Case study exercise and media scenarios.

• Identifying strategies to avoid unintentional amplification of extremist narratives. 

• Concluding Remarks – INEU (10 min)

• Summary of key takeaways.

• Invitation to the SMIDGE Final Conference.
  

Expected Outcomes

• Increased awareness among journalists about the 45-65 age group through SMIDGE findings.

• Strengthened capacity for responsible media coverage.

• Creation of multiplier effects through media channels.

• Increased understanding of how middle-aged citizens engage with online content and how they can be empowered to resist harmful narratives.

• Strengthened dialogue and collaboration among researchers, civil society, and media. 

• Actionable recommendations for journalists on addressing online extremism and disinformation. 

Audience and Participation

The event is open to: 

• Journalists and media representatives (including traditional and digital media professionals, freelance journalists, editors, and media researchers)

• Civil society representatives working on media coverage and media code of conduct

Participation will be free of charge, with prior registration required.

Organisers

The event is organised by Inclusive Europe, in collaboration with De Montfort University (UK). 

Contact Information

For inquiries about the event, please contact: l.malai@inclusiveeuropa.eu

For more information about the SMIDGE project, please visit:

www.smidgeproject.eu