Marianna Spring Keynote Speaker

Marianna Spring, a prominent journalist and disinformation specialist known for her investigative work on online misinformation and its impact on society. Her expertise in identifying and combating fake news has made her a vital voice in contemporary journalism and a sought-after speaker on the subjects of media literacy and digital ethics.

In 2014, Spring matriculated at Pembroke College, Oxford, where she studied French and Russian. During her time at Oxford, she contributed to and edited the student newspaper Cherwell. Her exceptional foreign reporting earned her the Ronnie Payne Prize in 2017. She spent her year abroad in Yaroslavl, Russia, and Paris, writing for The Moscow Times, The Local, and Le Tarn Libre. Additionally, she gained work experience at The Guardian and Private Eye.

After graduating, Spring faced initial challenges in securing a position in journalism but found a breakthrough when Emily Maitlis invited her to work on BBC’s Newsnight. She co-produced a notable segment on the gilets jaunes protests in December 2018. In March 2020, Spring was appointed as the BBC’s first specialist disinformation and social media reporter, a role that paralleled similar positions at CNN and NBC.

By 2021, Spring was contributing to the investigative program Panorama and was celebrated by Forbes. She was promoted to correspondent in August 2022. Her investigative work on online abuse, particularly in light of Elon Musk’s response to her BBC News article on trolling, highlighted the severe challenges faced by journalists in the digital age.

Spring’s innovative reporting methods include her work on the BBC podcast and Radio 4 programme Americast, where she created social media profiles for “undercover voters” to study the impact of political content across the spectrum. Her efforts have provided significant insights into the mechanics of disinformation.

Her book, “Among the Trolls,” released in 2024, delves into the intricacies of disinformation wars and her personal experiences as a frontline journalist in this domain. In April 2024, Spring appeared on BBC One’s satirical panel show “Have I Got News for You,” showcasing her breadth of knowledge and engaging public presence.

Marianna Spring is a trailblazing journalist specializing in disinformation and social media. Her academic background, innovative reporting techniques, and significant contributions to BBC’s investigative journalism have established her as a prominent voice in media literacy and online safety. Her work continues to influence public discourse and provides crucial insights into the evolving landscape of digital information.