What does it mean to speak truth to power, and why is a free and independent press essential to a healthy democracy?
Join us for a timely conversation about the challenges facing journalism today, the responsibility of the Fourth Estate to hold power accountable, and the vital role of a free press in a functioning democracy.
Convened and moderated by Joel Rubin of POLITICO, this panel brings together veteran journalists with decades of experience covering politics, public policy, and the institutions that shape our lives. Together, they will explore the evolving media landscape, the pressures facing independent journalism, and what’s at stake for the public’s right to know.
Featured Panelists:
- Melanie Mason is POLITICO’s California Bureau Chief and co-author of California Playbook, the publication’s influential political newsletter. Based in Los Angeles, she previously covered national and state politics for the Los Angeles Times.
- Mariel Garza is co-founder and executive editor of Golden State, an independent, nonprofit publication focused on the ideas, people, and policies shaping Los Angeles and California. She has spent three decades in journalism, including serving as editorials editor at the Los Angeles Times.
Moderator:
- Joel Rubin is POLITICO’s Senior Policy Editor for California, overseeing reporting on the policies shaping the state. Before joining POLITICO in 2025, he spent more than 21 years at the Los Angeles Times in reporting and editorial leadership roles, covering subjects ranging from federal courts and policing to education and business.
