Waynesboro native Dr. Michael Ray Smith, a journalist, author, and professor, is set to speak at the Second Annual European Congress on Disinformation and Fact-Checking in Madrid on Oct. 29–30. The conference will address the increasing study of disinformation and fact-checking in media, especially in the context of artificial intelligence and social media. Smith’s presentation will relate to his recent book, “Fake News, Truth-Telling and Charles M. Sheldon’s Model of Accuracy.”
With over four decades in journalism and education, Smith has written over 2,000 articles and published 10 books. His latest work focuses on the ethical challenges posed by misinformation. He began his journalism career in the 1980s and has also addressed Civil War history and faith-based topics in his writings.
Beyond journalism, Smith has dedicated himself to teaching, having taught at seven universities since 1988, including remotely at LCC International University in Lithuania. He has helped many students enhance their reporting and ethical decision-making skills, establishing himself as a key voice in discussions about media credibility.
Active in his local community, Smith lives with his wife Dahlia and is involved in various writing workshops and faith-based initiatives. The upcoming Madrid conference will gather global journalists and media professionals to deliberate on the impacts of misinformation on democracy and civic communication, highlighting Smith’s expertise on an international platform. For further details, visit www.disinformation.es/2025eucongressdisinfo.
