The document discusses media literacy and provides guidance on how to critically evaluate media. It recommends investigating a media source's integrity and independence, as well as fact-checking information and considering biases or manipulation. Media ownership concentration can limit perspectives, so seeking alternative sources is important. Media should contribute to public discourse through education and discussion. Teaching media literacy helps address online hate. Journalists should provide credible, useful information to educate people. Individuals can contribute to media literacy by understanding ownership and using resources to avoid deception.

1. MEDIA LITERACY
BY RUBY CAYENNE

2. THE FOUNDATIONS
• The first step to evaluating media that you are
consuming is to investigate its integrity, independence
and productivity
• Going beyond these initial observations requires the
ability to critically think and have an eye for intricacy

3. JUDGING MEDIA IN AN INFORMED MANNER
• Question everything you read or see to some extent and follow up on those
questions by fact-checking and verifying sources used.
• Research or evidence used to back information up is most trustworthy when it is
peer reviewed or backed up by multiple perspectives.
• Be mindful of any biases, sensationalism, or manipulation techniques that might
distort the truth and consider the context and intent of the message.
• Consider whether or not it informs, persuades, entertains, or provokes a reaction.
Take into account the target audience and the medium itself.

4. MEDIA OWNERSHIP
• When a few conglomerates control a substantial portion of the media
landscape, it can limit diversity of perspectives and lead to a
homogenization of content.
• Be aware of this influence and seek out independent and alternative sources
to gain a more balanced understanding of various topics.
• Investigate the ownership and affiliations of the media outlet or platform
presenting the content.
• Are there conflicts of interest that could influence their reporting or editorial
decisions.

5. MEDIA PRODUCTIVITY
• Does a media source positively contribute to public discourse and
society as a whole. Media that encourages critical thinking, fosters
empathy, and promotes civic engagement show by their actions
they are dedicated to the positive evolution of human beings
• Media content that educates, inspires, or sparks meaningful
conversations can improve our understanding of facets of
existence that may not have been accessible in the past. These
greater understandings help us become more active in our
communities

6. COMBATING ONLINE HATE
• Combating online hate can cultivate a culture of digital connections
and empathy.
• Teaching media literacy in schools from a young age and offering
education on the subject within communities can empower
individuals to critically assess the messages they are receiving
through media and respond to hateful content in a way that is
productive and responsible.
• Highlighting stories of resilience and unity can serve as powerful
counter-narratives against online hate.

7. MEDIA LITERACY AND JOURNALISM
• The role of journalists within the complicated world of media is
to produce credible, intentional and useful content.
• As producers of media, we must be at the forefront of media
literacy education.
• As journalists living in an online multimedia age, we must do
our best to present the truth and help people to understand
and know about information that they would not have had
access to before the online world existed.

8. THE POWER OF THE INDIVIDUAL
• Media literacy and intentional use of media is something that every
single person and participate in and contribute to.
• There are many resources for better understanding media ownership
and the benefits of media literacy.
• The information to better consume information is accessible and
often well intentioned.
• Take advantage of such resources so that you are not deceived and
let astray by the media organizations that have motives that do not
focus on honesty and the betterment of society.