Sixth annual event presented by News Literacy
Project, The E.W. Scripps Company and USA TODAY
WASHINGTON, Jan. 23,
2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The sixth annual National
News Literacy Week, Feb. 3-7, will
put a spotlight on the urgent need to teach students how to find
credible information. The week encourages educators to teach
critical thinking skills, so students learn to recognize
standards-based journalism, and know what information and sources
to trust.
Teens are living in the most complex information landscape in
history and are struggling to separate fact from fiction online and
in their social media feeds, according to a recent study by the
News Literacy Project. It found that most teens who encounter
conspiracy theories online are inclined to believe them (81%). Few
could tell the difference between sponsored content, opinion
journalism and paid ads. Meanwhile, teens overwhelmingly reported
wanting to learn media literacy in school, which the study found
was associated with healthy online habits like fact-checking a
social media post before sharing.
"Teaching young people to be news-literate empowers them to
confidently navigate our information-saturated world," said
Charles Salter, President and CEO of
the News Literacy Project. "At a time when students are spending
hours each day consuming social media and other information, often
through their phones, it's imperative that young people learn how
they are being influenced so they can make informed decisions about
their lives."
National News Literacy Week is co-presented by the News Literacy
Project, a national nonpartisan education nonprofit and the
nation's leading provider of news literacy resources; The E.W.
Scripps Company, a diversified media company and one of the
nation's largest local TV news organizations; and USA TODAY, owned by Gannett, whose expansive
reach at the national and local level is dedicated to empowering
and enriching communities.
Scripps was a co-founder of National News Literacy Week. Gannett
joined this year as a presenting partner.
"Today's bewildering information and content landscape requires
careful navigation in order for Americans to be thoughtful news
consumers," said Scripps President and CEO Adam Symson. "Scripps, its nationwide group of
local news stations and our national news outlet Scripps News are
proud to help in the effort to educate and equip young people with
the skills they need to sift through the barrage and create
well-informed opinions."
"Now more than ever, education around news and sources of
trusted information is paramount. We are proud to be part of the
mission to improve news literacy," said Karey Van Hall, deputy editor in chief of
USA TODAY.
About the News Literacy Project
Founded in 2008, the News Literacy Project (NLP) is a
nonpartisan education nonprofit that works with educators, school
districts and states to ensure students receive news literacy
instruction before they graduate high school, giving them the
knowledge and ability to think for themselves and become
well-informed, critical thinkers active in civic society.
About The E.W. Scripps Company
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified
media company focused on creating a better-informed world. As one
of the nation's largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves
communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a
portfolio of more than 60 stations in 40+ markets. Scripps reaches
households across the U.S. with national news outlets Scripps
News and Court TV and popular entertainment brands ION, ION
Plus, ION Mystery, Bounce, Grit and Laff. Scripps is the nation's
largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps is the longtime
steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878,
Scripps' long-time motto is: "Give light and the people will find
their own way."
About USA TODAY
Since its introduction in 1982, USA TODAY has been a cornerstone of the
national media landscape under its recognizable and respected
brand. It also serves as the foundation for our newsroom network
which allows for content sharing capabilities across our local
and national markets. Through USA
TODAY, we deliver high-quality, trusted content with a
commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when
consumers want to engage. Across our digital platforms we reach
an audience of approximately 79 million unique visitors each
month (based on December 2023
Comscore Media Metrix®).
CONTACT
Christina Veiga
Senior Director,
Media Relations
cveiga@newslit.org
954-655-6757
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-news-literacy-week-encourages-teens-to-develop-healthy-online-habits-302358474.html
SOURCE The E.W. Scripps Company
