Resources

While we live in an increasingly digital society, a significant number of European citizens continue to lack basic digital skills. Media practices have changed, and now we are not only receiving information passively. Anyone can be active in content creation and (re-)produce (dis)information. For example, mobile technology and ubiquitous Internet access allow citizens to produce real time information, including content for mass media (newspapers, TV channels).

The production of information and news thus no longer remains in the capacity of journalists, but something within everyone’s capacity. Without the necessary skills, however, the creation of information and news is not always done in a responsible or professional manner. This is only one example of many, highlighting why media literacy is more important than ever.

This position paper talks about:

• the role for media literacy in promoting common values and social inclusion in several ways: resilience, content creation, dissemination, social inclusion
• the role of non-formal education in teaching media literacy and
• gives examples of media literacy programmes and projects across Europe
• provides policy recommendations in terms of funding, recognition and promotion.