AHA Alumna Nora Neus Leads Exploration of Media Literacy

When a headline leaves you scratching your head, it’s time to check the facts. This tip was part of Holy Angels alumna Nora Neus’ savvy media literacy presentation at her alma mater.

As the 2012 graduate addressed current upper school students in early March, Neus pointed out that fake, altered, and misleading “news” items can have serious results. It’s up to consumers to think critically about the stories being presented each day.

Those at the assembly considered media as a justice mechanism with the responsibility to tell the most true version of a story. Media consumers, in turn, have the responsibility to ask themselves, “Who is covered? Who is left out? Why?”

Students and faculty chuckled as Neus displayed two obviously fake stories printed by The Weekly World News, a humorous publication known for outrageous claims. Fake news has consequences, Neus cautioned, and can be used to manipulate readers for different goals. She added that false stories lead to problems for consumers who don’t know the facts. In some cases, Neus pointed out, a story may not be entirely false, but a media outlet may not be telling readers the most true version.

“There are levels of truth,” she summarized.

The journalist also shared a 1922 front page story from The New York Times that downplayed Hitler’s threat to the Jewish population. That threat, Neus noted, ultimately resulted in the murders of millions of Jews during the Holocaust. 

She also shared a story about a black man who had been killed by the police. One news report called the victim’s reputation into question.

“Look for reasons people are called ‘no angel.’ Question that,” Neus told the assembly. 

“Approach news from all sources thoughtfully,” Neus added. Even reputable sources can make a mistake, she said, mentioning The New York Times, The Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times. “CNN is 100 percent real news that is made by humans, so, from time to time, you have to issue corrections,” Neus said of her former workplace. Corrections, she added, should engender even more trust in a news outlet, since the source is acknowledging, “This isn’t entirely correct. Here’s why.

In response to a student’s question, Neus acknowledged that one of her own stories had been twisted. She also pointed out that some stories are not necessarily malicious, but may include misinformation. Neus noted the need for consumers to research the reliability of new media outlets.

“Always be careful, especially with politics,” she urged, adding that there is a significant amount of Russian propaganda cropping up in Ukraine. (The two countries have been at war since February 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine.) Neus added that media coverage of various topics, including those related to the LGBTQ+ community, is not always respectful. She recommended media sources that cover causes with dignity.

Neus, who is currently an independent journalist, began her career as a local TV news reporter and anchor at NBC 29 in Charlottesville, Virginia. She also worked as a writer and producer for CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 in New York City. Her work at CNN included coverage of the recent earthquake in Puerto Rico, the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and the current war in Ukraine. She received an Emmy nomination in 2021.

Neus attended the University of Virginia, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in public policy. She also holds a master’s in war studies from Kings College, London. Neus developed her journalistic skills by working on the AHA newspaper, and cultivated a desire to learn more about public policy after taking a course taught by AHA Social Studies Department Chair Gail Fair. Neus received a full Jefferson Scholarship to further her education.

“I tell people-centered stories,” Neus said, mentioning “Muhammad Najeem, War Reporter,” the non-fiction graphic novel she authored with Najeem. Neus encouraged Najeem to provide selfies and videos of the civil war in Syria. His story went viral. At one point, an airstrike on his town left him buried alive with his family. Those who were able to dig out escaped to Turkey.

“I felt responsible for him,” Neus shared.

Neus also referenced the power of journalism. She pointed to an investigation into a southern hospital that had a high surgical death rate for children. CNN’s investigation began when a stranger told a parent to take a baby elsewhere for heart surgery. A closer look into the situation showed the death rate at that facility was three times higher than the norm, Neus noted. After the story was published, the hospital ended its pediatric surgery program.

As AHA’s media literacy assembly drew to a close, Neus provided each grade level with a popular fairy tale and challenged the Angels to write the most true headline for their assigned story. The juniors won the contest, but the seniors earned kudos for mentioning that “Sleeping Beauty” involves assault, since a sleeping person cannot give consent to be kissed.

“I was very blessed to have her in my class,” AHA Principal Jean Miller said of Neus. “I hope she learned as much from me as I learned from her.”

Neus’ appearance was arranged by Nancy Schneberger, AHA English teacher and recent chair of the AHA English Department. Schneberger is an avid proponent of critical thinking, including media literacy. Schneberger wrote the curriculum for the bespoke critical thinking course Angels may take as part of the Academy’s prestigious Oxford Study Abroad program, and leads the journey to England each spring.