CIMA is proud to release a series of reports on media literacy from the perspectives of the general public, citizen journalists, and youth.
Media Literacy: Understanding the News
A media-literate public is essential to building and sustaining a democracy of active citizens. Effective free and independent media depend not only on skilled journalists but also on the knowledge of their readers. Media literacy training is a tool that the development sector can use to educate citizens to better understand the value of accurate and fair news. This report, by Susan D. Moeller, director of the International Center for Media and the Public Agenda at the University of Maryland, explores why media literacy is crucial to many areas of development and how donors and implementers can coordinate their efforts and expand the field.
http://cima.ned.org/reports/media-literacy-understanding-the-news.html
Media Literacy: Citizen Journalists
Citizen journalists are quickly becoming a potent force for creating, supporting, and building open and democratic societies. In countries where repressive governments limit the operations of professional journalists, citizen journalists are filling the gaps. Yet they often have no formal training or understanding of the essential roles independent media play in ensuring accountable and transparent government. This report, also by Moeller, makes clear that it is essential for citizen journalists to learn and adopt standards of fairness, accuracy, and ethics through media literacy training.
http://cima.ned.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/CIMA-Media_Literacy_Citizen_Journalists-Report.pdf
Media Literacy: Empowering Youth Worldwide
At all levels of education, initiatives in media literacy are premised on teaching youth and young adults to consume media critically—from how media shape political messages to the increasing pervasiveness of advertising. But the challenges to such initiatives are daunting. Schools need the necessary resources and educators the requisite expertise and training to teach media literacy. Supporting media literacy education for youth can help prepare children and young adults for lives of active inquiry and give them a better understanding of the ties between information, community, and democracy. This report, by Paul Mihailidis, professor of journalism, media and public relations at Hofstra University, makes the case that as media become more central to the development of youth in society, funders should recognize that media literacy education for youth is an important part of democratic development.
http://cima.ned.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/CIMA-Media_Literacy_Youth-Report.pdf