| EC Communication on media literacy published – 20/12/07 |
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The European Commission (EC) adopted a Communication on a European approach to media literacy in the digital environment on December 20th, 2007. The Communication plays an integral role in the EC’s aim to enhance citizens’ trust in, and take-up of, content online. Mrs. Viviane Reding, Commissioner for Information Society and Media, sees media literacy as essential for active media and democracy. The new information and communication technologies require all to develop new skills, as traditional literacy is no longer enough.
Media literacy relates to all media – television, cinema, video, websites, radio, video games, virtual communities, etc. – and encompasses one’s ability to access, understand, evaluate and create media content. The interpretation of information on blogs, via search engines and in advertising is seen as especially important. The new digital world brings with it also challenges, such as regarding safety, inclusion and access. But, according to Mrs. Reding, educating and informing citizens is more important than regulation. This Communication, which is the first EU level policy document on media literacy, complements the new Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMS) and the MEDIA 2007 support programme (for European film). The Communication focuses on the following: Media literacy for
Furthermore, the Communication announces the launch of a study on the assessment of media literacy levels in the EU. In this context, Mrs. Reding commented: “I believe that especially with regard to advertising, promoting media literacy is a much more appropriate approach than advocating advertising bans, which I oppose”. In addition, the EC indicated that if necessary, it will adopt a Recommendation for the future, while aiming to develop and implement codes of conduct and co-regulation frameworks, and promote self-regulatory initiatives.
Next steps: For the EC Communication, please click here. |
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