Media literacy is a key challenge for the media industry. Every day more and more information, articles, music and images are produced and consumed. The sheer volume is daunting, while drawing a distinction between fact, opinion, and entertainment can be difficult, both for media users and providers. The ability to do so is often called media literacy: the ability to access, understand and create communications in a variety of contexts.

The Media CSR Forum, comprised of 20 of the biggest UK and European media companies, has launched a joint website highlighting media literacy, in response to three aspects of media literacy:

• Being able to access the media – barriers include technology and affordability
• Being able to understand and critically evaluate media – particularly understanding how information becomes content
• Being able to create/interact with media

The site contains case studies which will be continually updated. Examples include:

• Sense about Science: Reed Elsevier supports this initiative to promote evidence-based information on matters of science and risk among government, the media, business and NGOs.
• Power to All People: Virgin Media’s partnership with Digital Unite to provide greater access to the internet for the elderly in disadvantaged communities.
• Young Journalist: Sky’s competition to encourage young people between the ages of 14-19 years old to report on local, national or international news stories that matter to them.

Reed Elsevier is a member of the Media CSR Forum. Visit the media literacy site at www.howmediaismade.com.