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Outcomes of Media Literacy

Introduction to Media Literacy Outcomes

  • Importance of recognizing the impact of media on society.

  • Encouragement to consider steps for improving the communications environment.

  • Key questions:

    • How does media literacy contribute to societal citizenship?

    • What role does ideology play in media consumption?

    • To what extent does appreciation for aesthetics equate to media literacy?

Categories of Outcomes

Personal Responses

  • Empowerment in making informed personal media choices:

    • Independent Media Consumption: Understanding media coverage to remain well-informed.

    • Balanced Media Diet: Engaging with various ideological perspectives and types of media (print, television, internet).

    • Media Awareness: Recognizing how media influences lifestyle, attitudes, behaviors, and values.

Applying Media Literacy Analysis Tools

  • Utilizing tools to derive insights from media messages:

    • Keys to Interpreting Media Messages: Critical examination of cultural attitudes, values, preoccupations, and myths through media programming.

    • Ownership and Regulation Awareness: Understanding patterns in media ownership and government regulations.

    • Promoting Discussion: Engaging peers, colleagues, and family in media-related dialogues.

Involvement in the Media Literacy Community

  • Engaging with media literacy organizations:

    • Examples:

      • Center for Media Literacy

      • National Telemedia Council

      • About Face

      • Gateway Media Literacy Partners (GMLP)

  • Aim of these organizations: To enhance public understanding and promote media literacy.

Activism in Media Literacy

Media Activism

  • Commitment to democratizing communication at local and global levels.

  • Media Justice Movement: Advocating for equitable representation in media through grassroots organizing and education.

Individual Activism Choices

  • Personal actions against objectionable media:

    • Cancel subscriptions or turn off certain programming.

    • Write letters of concern to publications or media stations.

    • Reach out to the FCC regarding programming issues.

    • Address grievances directly with station management.

Grassroots Organizing

  • Utilizing digital technology to spur change:

    • Case Study: Sarah Kavanagh's petition to remove brominated vegetable oil from Gatorade successfully gathered significant public support.

Contacting Advertisers

  • Explaining concerns about certain programs may lead to advertiser withdrawal.

  • Example: Corporate sponsors pulled advertising from Glenn Beck's show following public outcry.

  • Activist stockholder strategy: Influencing media programming from within by owning shares and voting on policies.

Organizational Activism

National Organizations' Influence

  • Groups like Free Press and Action Coalition for Media Education pushing for media ownership diversity.

  • Example: Net neutrality language included in AT&T merger agreements due to grassroots activism.

Media Reform Conference Proposals

  • Discussions included:

    • Enhanced representation and diverse ownership in media.

    • Free airtime for political candidates.

    • Media literacy required in middle school education.

Media Literacy as a Field of Study

Academic Recognition

  • UNESCO's Declaration: Media literacy as a fundamental human right.

  • Canada as a leader in media literacy education, integrating into K-12 curricula.

Global Trends in Media Literacy Education

  • Other countries making strides include:

    • England, Australia, New Zealand, and many more.

  • U.S. trends indicate an increasing incorporation of media literacy into higher education:

    • Significant increase in institutions offering media literacy programs from 61 to over 180.

Non-Traditional Educational Avenues

Homeschooling and Media Literacy

  • Potential for robust media literacy curricula within homeschool environments.

  • Focus on teaching critical thinking and self-reliance in information evaluation.

Public Policy Sector Influence

Legislative Efforts in Media Policy

  • Areas of media policy reform addressed:

    • Limiting media ownership concentration.

    • Fairness doctrine restoration and local independent media support.

    • School mandates for media literacy education.

Community Media Initiatives

  • Community-owned radio and television stations providing relevant programming reflecting local interests.

  • Programs often integrate education, fostering local awareness of issues.

Media Arts and Critical Analysis

  • Youth programs encouraging self-discovery and exploration of media issues through production and analysis.

Publications and Writing Related to Media Trends

  • Numerous publications analyze trends and provide insight on media portrayals:

    • Examples include FAIR, American Journalism Review, and various critic columns.

The Role of Professional Media in Promoting Literacy

  • Media professionals collaborating with educational and advocacy organizations to promote media literacy.

  • The importance of understanding and constructing media messages across various professions.

Conclusion

  • Media literacy as an essential skill, with implications across personal, societal, and professional domains.