The battle for reason in a world overwhelmed by propaganda, simplification, powerful lobby groups and internet trolls is one of the greatest challenges facing journalism, according to BBC foreign correspondent Fergal Keane.

The award-winning journalist will give a public lecture at the University of Limerick on Thursday on the challenges facing the media.

Speaking ahead of his lecture, which is entitled ‘The Struggle for Reason’, Keane said: “I will speak about my belief that the obligation to fact, complexity, nuance and context has never been more vital – rigour and more rigour are required.”

University of Limerick head of journalism Mary Dundon said: "Today we are all bombarded with 'information' from a plethora of multimedia sources and the challenge we face is to discern the truth and fact from the propaganda put out by powerful lobby groups."

The lecture is something of a homecoming for Keane, who started his journalism career at the Limerick Leader in 1979.

There is no fee for the lecture but tickets must be booked in advance by emailing: mary.i.dundon@ul.ie