Comm Chapter 2

Media Literacy

The process of critically analyzing media content, including its underlying political or social messages, presentation, and media ownership or regulation.

What makes mediated communication different?

Concern that mediated information-constructed through sings, symbols, words from books, radio, TV, digital media-affects us in ways unlike unmediated information --”Media effects” 

The Media

they educate and inform us 

Educators - are recognizing a growing need to teach media literacy skills to school-age children 

Semiotics

The study of signs and symbols; a theoretical approach to media literacy as defined by Ferdinand de Saussure, who explained that a sign is comprised of a signifier (form) and a signified (what the form represents).

Framing

The particular presentation and communication of messages that influences perception; audiences classify and interpret media information through frameworks or schemas.

Media Grammar

The underlying rules, structures, and patterns of a medium that influence audience use and understanding.

Mediated Communication

A form of communication constructed through signs, symbols, and words from various media that affects us differently than unmediated information.

Echo Effects

The phenomenon where frames appear natural, go unquestioned, and can amplify specific societal narratives or perspectives.

Concentration of Media Ownership

The process by which successful media enterprises grow larger by acquiring other media entities, which may lead to less diversity in media voices.

Media Bias

A real or perceived viewpoint held by journalists and news organizations that slants news coverage unfairly, going against the goal of balanced and objective journalism.

Critical Media-Literacy Skills

Skills that involve questioning the purpose of media content, considering sources, examining framing, identifying stereotypes, and understanding the media ecosystem.

Concentration of media ownership

Successful media enterprises become larger in size and scope by acquiring, through purchase or merger, other media enterprises 

Economic Factors in Media

Aspects that influence media content and production decisions, affecting what is covered in news and entertainment.