On 6 December 2016, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has launched its Media Literacy Policy which sets out a range of skills to help people to navigate current, new and emerging content platforms.
The policy has been developed by the BAI as part of its statutory obligation (set out in the Broadcasting Act 2009) "to undertake, encourage and foster research, measures and activities which are directed towards the promotion of media literacy, including co-operation with broadcasters, educationalists and other relevant persons". To inform the development of the Policy, the BAI undertook a significant engagement with stakeholders with a view to seeking feedback on both the concept and the content of proposed Media Literacy Principles and Framework.
The framework for the BAI’s Media Literacy Policy is based on three core competencies and a set of associated skills and success indicators. These competencies are centred on issues regarding:
This framework is intended:
A key area of work for the BAI next year will be to facilitate the development of an Irish Media Literacy Network. Interested parties, such as educators, broadcasters and public bodies will be invited to share their skills and knowledge on the subject.