Trust, Truth & Influence: Media Literacy in the Modern World
About this Event
How do you know what to trust?
Every day, we navigate an overwhelming stream of news, social media content, opinions, and competing narratives. For marketers, communicators, business leaders, and engaged citizens, knowing how to evaluate information and build trust has never been more important.
Join AMA Cincinnati for a special Trailblazer Lunch & Learn featuring Ashley Kirklen, Anchor and Reporter for WLWT News 5, who will be recognized as a 2026 Communications Trailblazer.
Ashley will join us for a candid, moderated conversation about media literacy, credibility, storytelling and the changing relationship between journalists, communicators, brands and audiences.
Drawing from her experience covering presidential elections, Super Bowl LVI, breaking news, and major stories throughout Cincinnati, Ashley will offer a behind the scenes perspective on how information is gathered, communicated, and consumed.
What You’ll Learn:
- How people determine what information to trust
- What makes a source credible in today's information environment
- How social media and emerging technologies are changing communication
- The role journalists and communicators play in shaping public understanding
- How marketers and business leaders can build greater trust through communication
- Practical ways to navigate misinformation and information overload
What to Expect:
- Connect with Cincinnati's marketing, communications, and business community while enjoying lunch at a unique location (Prime Cincinnati at 580 Walnut St, Cincinnati, OH 45202).
- Help us recognize Ashley Kirklen as a 2026 Communications Trailblazer.
- Moderated Conversation
- Hear Ashley's perspective on trust, credibility, journalism, storytelling, and the modern media landscape.
- Audience Q&A and participation.
Who Should Attend:
- Marketers, brand strategists and creative professionals
- Anyone who communicates with audiences as part of their profession
- Media, culture, journalism or technology enthusiasts
Meet Ashley Kirklen
Ashley Kirklen is an anchor and reporter for WLWT News 5 who has covered some of the nation's most significant stories, including presidential elections, Super Bowl LVI, and major events affecting the Cincinnati community.
A graduate of Indiana University and recipient of the Cincinnati Business Courier Forty Under 40 award, Ashley brings years of experience in journalism, storytelling, and community engagement to this conversation.
About AMA Cincinnati:
We provide opportunities for Marketers and related professionals across industries, businesses, functions, and career levels to learn, teach, job search, recruit, network, promote, contribute, and practice.
Learn more at AMACincinnati.org
Agenda
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Arrival and Networking
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Lunch and Presentation
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:00 PM
Additional Q&A and Networking
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 27.24 to USD 53.49


















