Media literacy policies, beyond the mantra

How do we fight against fake news? “With media literacy!”, the choir responds, in unison, with the smug satisfaction of knowing the answer. But, beyond chanting this self-complacent clamor, what are we actually doing to increase it in our democracies? I understand that this is the underlying concern that has motivated the manifesto of the Platform for Media Education, which demands that the government translate good words into concrete measures. Indeed, since it is a cross-cutting issue that in no way only affects the Department of Education, there is a danger that –by passing the buck– no relevant policies will be implemented to help improve people's resources when it comes to navigating informative waters with many more currents, whirlpools, breakwaters, and siren songs than ever before. And we know that the rough seas are here to stay.

A good vaccination policy against informative poisoning involves promoting the reading of the press, which even today is the main tool for acquiring critical thinking, as the written word is the medium that allows for greater complexity of discourse and more depth. It is no coincidence that, in international rankings, the countries of northern Europe are the ones that appear best off, and also the ones that achieve higher reading rates (in general and of the press). Generalist policies that are neither sectarian nor arbitrary –to avoid partisan interference– can help this sector defend itself better against social networks and internet giants that have broken the media's business model with extractive and abusive practices. The only measure needed is a level playing field and less impunity for the pseudo-press. In the case of radio and television, the issue is not to increase consumption (which is already high) but to generate a cultural change. I will address this in a future article.