A growing sector of the U.S. population does not distinguish between professional journalists, information spinners and citizen voices. The 24/7 news cycle and digital advances in disseminating information serve to further exacerbate this challenging situation.

Our News Literacy goals are to educate and energize citizens—especially students—about the value of news and assist them in developing a framework for assessing information. In partnership with our grantees, we aim to help citizens increase their ability to find critical information and develop a sense of ethics as digital citizens and media makers. We believe that the process begins as early as middle school and touches new Americans and under-served populations with the ultimate goal of a more engaged, informed citizenry. Our research and analysis show news literacy programs provide:

• A frame of reference to distinguish fact from fiction, opinion or propaganda.

• An understanding of the First Amendment, the role of a free, independent media and the importance of journalistic values.

• A curiosity to seek information and better understand communities, country and international affairs.

• Help in navigating the myriad sources of digital information in a more skeptical and informed manner.

• A foundation for exercising civility, respect and care in the exchange of information

These priorities are especially important to youth as they seek to collect, analyze and produce credible information. Thus, to be news literate is to build knowledge, think critically, act civilly and participate in the democratic process.

READ MORE >>

The McCormick Foundation welcomes active discussion on all issues addressed in this web site. Comments will be previewed by McCormick Foundation staff before being posted. Please see our terms of use for guidelines.