Read the news literacy education submission to the House of Lords future of news inquiry

Read the news literacy education policy brief

Principal Investigator:

Dr François Nel, Reader/Associate Professor of Media Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University of Central Lancashire

Postdoctoral Researcher:

Dr Kamila Rymajdo, University of Central Lancashire

Supported by:

Stay Informed:

This project is part of the News Futures Forum, which was launched following the News Futures 2035 foresight study. Alongside the Lessons from Southport enquiry, it aims to equip communities and institutions with the tools to navigate today’s information landscape.

To get involved, share insights, or stay up to date:
Contact us at:
newsfutures@uclan.ac.uk
Submit an expression of interest via this short form
For specific project queries, you can also contact:
Dr François Nel
FPNel@uclan.ac.uk

Why is this News Literacy Education Project Important?

The information landscape constantly shifts, demanding a critical citizenry capable of navigating a complex media environment. Discerning reliable sources from falsehoods is vital in a world saturated with news and information. This is especially true in the context of recent events, where misinformation fuelled unrest across the UK.

Addressing the Challenge: Collaborative Research

The project is part of the broader News Futures 2035 initiative, a collaboration supported by Research England and the Google News Initiative. It was led by Dr François Nel from UCLan’s Media Innovation Studio, with support from Professor Candice Satchwell, postdoctoral researcher Dr Kamila Rymajdo, doctoral researcher David Lush and Hussein Melele, a graduate of the MA in Journalism Innovation and Leadership at UCLan. The project also benefited from the expertise of Professor Simeon Yates and Dr Gianfranco Polizzi from the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University’s Frances Yeoman.

In May 2024, the team convened 15 media, education, policy, and civil society experts to explore strategies for enhancing news literacy education in the UK at the Media Innovation Studio at the University of Central Lancashire. Utilising scenario planning methodology during a workshop devised by foresight specialist Alain Wouters of Uncharted, experts discussed how news literacy education can be advanced over the next decade. The project produced two reports, one of which was submitted as evidence to the House of Lords Communications and Digital Select Committee’s inquiry into the future of news and a longer policy document disseminated to government ministers, regulators, civil society groups and academics.

Building a News-Literate Society: Key Recommendations

The project proposes a three-pronged approach to foster a population equipped to evaluate information critically:

1. Universal News Literacy Education: Mandate news literacy instruction for all students across schools and colleges in the UK. Integrating these skills into the curriculum is essential for preparing future generations.
2. Lifelong Learning and Outreach: Expand educational opportunities beyond formal schooling to reach diverse audiences. This ensures inclusivity and caters to those outside traditional educational pathways.
3. Coordinated Initiatives and Funding: Establish a News Literacy Forum to facilitate collaboration between stakeholders. Furthermore, designate a government minister with specific oversight over media and information literacy (encompassing news literacy).

Participants in the News Literacy Education Working Group

Madhav Chinnappa, Senior Executive Consultant, Human Nature AI, formerly with Google

Maeve Connolly, Head of Audience Strategy and Growth, The Irish News

Alison Gow, Editorial Consultant and Fellow of the Society of Editors

David Lush, Senior Advisor for Organisational Learning, International Media Support

Professor Julian McDougall, Professor of Media and Education, Bournemouth University and Chair of the Media and Information Literacy Alliance (UK chapter of the Unesco MIL Alliance)

Emma Meese, Director, Independent Community News Network

Hussein Melele, Executive Director of Mulika Tanzania and 2024 graduate of the MA in Journalism Innovation and Leadership at the University of Central Lancashire.

Elli Narewska, Head of Primary Education, The Guardian Foundation

Dr François Nel, Reader/Associate Professor of Media Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University of Central Lancashire

Debbie Painter, Curriculum Manager, GCSE Plus, Derby College

Dr Beth Parkes, Education and Development Manager, IMPRESS

Dr Gianfranco Polizzi, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Communication and Media, University of Liverpool

Dr Kamila Rymajdo, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Central Lancashire

Professor Candice Satchwell, Professor of Literacies and Education, University of Central Lancashire

Professor Simeon Yates, Professor of Digital Culture Communication and Media, University of Liverpool

Frances Yeoman, Programme Leader, Journalism, Liverpool John Moores University