Media literacy consultation

The European Commission has launched a consultation on media literacy. They define media literacy as "the ability to access, analyse and evaluate the power of images, sounds and messages which we are now being confronted with on a daily basis and are an important part of our contemporary culture, as well as to communicate competently in media available on a personal basis. Media literacy relates to all media, including television and film, radio and recorded music, print media, the Internet and other new digital communication technologies." It is placed within "audiovisual and media policies" and the Expert Group is drawn from the media and communications sector (academics; agencies; commercial side).

The home page for Media Literacy on the EC site is http://ec.europa.eu/comm/avpolicy/media_literacy/index_en.htm
and you can access the press release and the "questionnaire" (which will require some time to complete, I think). The questions ask about your definition of media literacy, how it should be taught & encouraged, and what initiatives are already going on. It does provide an opportunity to highlight the link with information literacy (not present currently!!) e.g. the last question asks "Could you please list and briefly describe any important and effective initiatives in your country/region/community aiming at implementing and encouraging a critical approach of content, especially information material, available online?" Deadline for response is 15 December.

Photo by Sheila Webber: different kinds of moss, Silver Pavilion, Kyoto, Japan, July 2005.