WAYNESBORO – Waynesboro native Dr. Michael Ray Smith, a journalist, author, and professor, has been invited to speak at the Second Annual European Congress on Disinformation and Fact-Checking, scheduled for later this month in Madrid, Spain.
The international event, held on Oct. 29–30, will explore the growing need to study disinformation and fact-checking in the media, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence and social media. Smith’s presentation will align closely with the theme, drawing from his recent book “Fake News, Truth-Telling and Charles M. Sheldon’s Model of Accuracy.”
A career in journalism and education
Smith has built a career spanning more than four decades in journalism and education. He has written more than 2,000 articles and published 10 books, including “Featurewriting.net, A Free Press in Freehand: The Spirit of American Blogging in the Handwritten Newspapers,” and “7 Days to a Byline That Pays.” His newest publication examines the ethical and social challenges of misinformation in modern media.
He began his journalism career in the early 1980s with newspapers including The News-Chronicle of Shippensburg and The Public Opinion in Chambersburg. He has also written extensively on Civil War history and for several faith-based publications.
Smith currently contributes to Religion Unplugged and recently served as a judge for the Evangelical Press Association’s national journalism contest.
Guiding the next generation of writers
In addition to his reporting and writing, Smith has dedicated much of his career to teaching journalism and media ethics. Since 1988, he has taught at seven universities, including LCC International University in Klaipėda, Lithuania, where he continues to teach remotely.
Through the years, he has helped hundreds of students refine their reporting, storytelling and ethical decision-making skills. His experience as both a working journalist and educator has made him a sought-after voice in discussions about media credibility and public trust.
Rooted in family and community
Outside his academic and professional work, Smith remains active in the Waynesboro community. He and his wife, Dalia, whom he met while working in Europe, are members of South Mountain Bible Church. He has two daughters, Shannon and Taylor, from his late wife, Barbara, who passed away in 2017.
Smith enjoys painting, cycling, golf and tennis, and continues to engage with local groups through writing workshops and faith-based programs.
A global conversation on media truth
The Madrid conference will bring together journalists, researchers and media professionals from around the world to discuss how misinformation threatens democracy and civic communication. Smith’s participation underscores both his professional expertise and the recognition of local talent on a global stage.
For more information about the conference, visit www.disinformation.es/2025eucongressdisinfo.
Smith’s books are available at Amazon.com: Michael Ray Smith.
