INTRODUCTION TO MEDIA (NEWS) LITERACY

Summary

Asst. Prof. Kara Patria David-Cancio, a renowned journalist and educator, introduces a YouTube channel dedicated to teaching Media Literacy (ML). In this series, she and prominent reporters from the Philippines aim to educate viewers on the importance of accurate information, the role of media, and how to navigate the complexities of news, including identifying fake news. The channel will also teach practical skills like fact-checking and reverse image searches, empowering viewers to verify information before sharing. This free resource is for anyone eager to learn about media literacy in today's digital age.

Takeaways

• 😀 Media Literacy is crucial in the age of fake news, and the channel aims to teach viewers how to navigate media and information responsibly.
• 😀 The channel is hosted by Asst. Prof. Kara Patria David-Cancio, known as Kara David, a reporter, documentarist, and now a teacher.
• 😀 The focus of the channel is on Media Literacy (ML), which helps people discern whether information is true or false.
• 😀 Media and Information Literacy (MIL) is not just for students; even adults need to stay informed to combat misinformation.
• 😀 The channel will feature prominent reporters, news anchors, and documentarists from the Philippines to support media literacy education.
• 😀 Teachers will benefit from the content as it will assist in enhancing their media literacy lessons.
• 😀 Topics covered will include the importance of media, the role of reporters, and how news is selected for broadcast.
• 😀 The concept of Gatekeeping theory will be explored, which explains how news is filtered and presented to the public.
• 😀 The channel will teach viewers how to fact-check information, including the use of Google search and reverse image search.
• 😀 Kara David encourages viewers to stop, read, and verify before posting anything online, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and truth.
• 😀 The channel's lessons are free and accessible to anyone, with the hope that viewers will share the knowledge to help others become media literate.

Q & A

Who is Kara David and what is her role in this video?

Kara David is an Assistant Professor at the UP College of Mass Communication, a reporter, and a documentarist. In this video, she introduces herself as a teacher in the field of media literacy, aiming to educate viewers about the importance of media and information literacy.

What is Media Literacy (ML) and why is it important?

Media Literacy refers to the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media in various forms. It is crucial because, in today's world of widespread misinformation and fake news, people need the skills to discern accurate information from falsehoods.

How does the video distinguish between the two types of 'ML'?

The video humorously clarifies that while 'ML' could stand for 'Machine Learning', it is not the focus here. Instead, Kara is teaching about 'Media Literacy'—a different kind of ML, one that is essential for recognizing and understanding media in our everyday lives.

Why is Media Literacy important for both students and adults?

Media Literacy is important for everyone, not just students, because it helps individuals critically assess the information they encounter. With the rise of digital platforms and the rapid spread of fake news, adults also need to be equipped with the skills to navigate media responsibly.

What are some of the key topics that Kara David plans to cover in this YouTube channel?

Some key topics include the role of media in society, how reporters gather news, news selection criteria (Gatekeeping theory), how to verify information on social media, the importance of fact-checking, and tools like Google search and reverse image search.

What is Gatekeeping theory and how does it relate to media content?

Gatekeeping theory explains the process by which media outlets decide what news to present to the public. This involves selecting and filtering information based on criteria like relevance, impact, and public interest, which helps shape public knowledge and understanding.

How can viewers determine if a post on social media is true or false?

Viewers can determine the veracity of social media posts by checking the source of the information, verifying the credentials of the writer, and using fact-checking tools. Kara emphasizes the importance of researching the authenticity of any claim before believing or sharing it.

What are the dangers of spreading fake news, according to the video?

Fake news can spread misinformation rapidly and have real-world consequences, much like a virus. Kara compares fake news to an infectious disease, warning that it can mislead people, stir up panic, and damage trust in legitimate information sources.

What practical tools does Kara suggest for fact-checking information?

Kara recommends using Google search and reverse image search to verify information. These tools can help track down the original sources of claims or images and determine whether they have been manipulated or taken out of context.

What is the main message that Kara David wants viewers to take away from this video?

Kara's main message is the importance of using media responsibly. She urges viewers to ensure that any information they share is accurate, true, and well-sourced. She also emphasizes that, as consumers and spreaders of information, we all have a responsibility to combat misinformation.