In the digital environment, the social media platform has become one of the main channels of information dissemination, and the spread of fake news on the Internet can harm social security and people’s welfare. How to promote Media Literacy and cultivate the ability of public awareness becomes an emerging democratic issue in Taiwan.
In view of this, the National Communications Commission (NCC) initiated this commissioned research project, and intends to analyze the Media Literacy policies and implementations in Taiwan as well as in some major countries, in terms of the coordination between their public and private organizations within governments, stakeholders and media industry. The outcome of this study is to provide appropriate legislative provisions and suggestions for policy makers to promote Media Literacy in Taiwan, and as a reference for the policy of the National Communications Commission.
In terms of research methods and processes, this research collects relevant data through literature analysis, focus group discussion, questionnaire research and comparison method. The purpose of this study is to understand the current state and practice of media literacy development in government, broadcasting media and citizen groups from different countries. In order to understand their development status, this study analyzes 9 major countries or regional organizations including the UNESCO, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, Canada, Australia, South Korea and Singapore. After researching domestic and foreign developments, this study held six focus group meetings to ask industry, government, and academia for their suggestions on media literacy policies. The following are the important findings and recommendations of this study：
- Media literacy theories and policy framework cover cross-domain concepts and scope
This study collates the definitions and concepts of media literacy put forward by important international institutions such as UNESCO, the European Union, governments of various countries and scholars. It is found that with the development of information communication and digital technology, media convergence has developed. The scope of media literacy also needs a new composite concept to understand. Media literacy includes multiple fields in practice, including ICTs Policies, Media Policies, MIL Policies, Access to Information Policies, and Education Policies. Government should formulate relevant policies, and through education, resources invested, and cooperation with civil society, to take into account the multiple aspects of media literacy policies.
- Media literacy policy and current situation in our country
This research examines the current state of media literacy promotion by government units, television media industry and non-governmental organizations in our country over recent years. It is found that among government units, the Ministry of Education has been the most important unit for promoting media literacy related policies and education projects in our country. In addition, as the broadcasting media authority, NCC also takes the promotion of media professionals' professionalism as the core mission, and promotes media literacy goals through handling plans with media and relevant organizations. On the other hand, the Ministry of Science and Technology focuses on scientific and technological literacy; the Ministry of Interior cares about civic literacy; and the Ministry of Culture also has tasks and goals to promote cultural literacy. This study suggests that ministries should establish a clearer division of media literacy in order to take into account the different aspects of literacy development.
This research examines the current state of media literacy promotion by government units, television media industry and non-governmental organizations in our country over recent years. It is found that among government units, the Ministry of Education has been the most important unit for promoting media literacy related policies and education projects in our country. In addition, as the broadcasting media authority, NCC also takes the promotion of media professionals' professionalism as the core mission, and promotes media literacy goals through handling plans with media and relevant organizations. On the other hand, the Ministry of Science and Technology focuses on scientific and technological literacy; the Ministry of Interior cares about civic literacy; and the Ministry of Culture also has tasks and goals to promote cultural literacy. This study suggests that ministries should establish a clearer division of media literacy in order to take into account the different aspects of literacy development.
On the practical side, TV media and public organizations also should play an important role in the development of media literacy. However, in terms of practical implementation, TV media operators and non-profit organizations still face problems such as funding shortages, inconsistent plans, and unclear goals for promoting media literacy.
Because of this, this research suggests that through the cooperation and division of labor across ministries, a complete policy plan and goals should be established to solve practical problems.
- Current status of media literacy policies in various countries
This study analyzes media literacy policies including the UNESCO, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, Canada, Australia, South Korea, and Singapore. The study finds that European countries have the most complete media literacy policies, while most of the countries in the Americas are dominated by private institutions. As for Asia, South Korea has been discussing the establishment of special laws to integrate media literacy resources in recent years, but it has not yet been formally adopted. Singapore has established the media literacy committee to develop relevant policies and resources. Its purpose and mode of operation are worth learning from our country. The policies of different countries are slightly different according to their national conditions and the state of media development. Therefore, more in-depth analysis and comparison are needed. In this study, six focus group meetings were held to ask the opinions of the industry, government, academia, and other countries to compare the development experience of various countries, and put forward some reference points in our country.
- Suggestions on media literacy policies
After consolidating the opinions of various parties, this study puts forward the following suggestions for media literacy policies:
In order to improve the media literacy policy, the government should convene a multi-ministerial meeting to discuss and establish a clear media literacy policy. It is recommended to set up a media literacy committee, and invite industry, government, and academia to discuss related policies. And on a practical level, it can be entrusted to civil society or relevant organization to establish media access and literacy projects, for empowering citizen to understand the way media works.
Finally, in order to implement a long-term media literacy policy, the government can set up media literacy-related regulations, which clarify the responsibilities and obligations of relevant units, and establish measures to evaluate the effectiveness of the policy to review future policy directions.
