What is critical media literacy?

Critical media literacy means being able to analyse, assess, and evaluate media in a critical way.

Critical media literacy is important because it helps us to understand the messages behind the different types of content we access and consume online and on other media platforms.

This covers all forms of media including television, radio, newspapers, video and online content.

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has developed a media literacy policy to outline the key elements of media literacy and measures for success, we’ve summarised the policy below.

Here are ways to become more media literate in today’s digital age:

Make informed choices around the media you use.

This includes:

• Recognising different content types, such as advertising, editorial, opinion, and factual articles.
• Understanding context, how content is made, and if there’s a particular motivation behind a piece of content.
• Evaluating the reliability and truthfulness of different sources.

Access and use media in a safe and secure way.

This includes:

• Being able to search for and find reliable media and content.
• Making an informed decision about where you share your personal data.
• Being careful about making transactions online.
• Using technical security features to keep your information safe.

Creating content online in a responsible way.

This includes:

• Creating media content through text, images, audio, video and code.
• Publishing, sharing, compiling, and curating content online.
• Engaging in opportunities to learn online.
• Being aware of and having respect for digital rights and responsibilities.
• Sharing opinions and listening to the opinions of others.
• Reporting or challenging content you feel is inappropriate.

For more information and to download the full policy see the BAI website.