An Examination of Media Literacy within Undergraduate Journalism Students
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Authors
Rodis, Hailey Silver
Issue Date
2022
Type
Thesis
Language
Keywords
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Abstract
This exploratory study examines the importance of cultivating media literacy within undergraduate students of journalism so that they may function as well-informed, responsible, accountable, and objective contributors to the field. Through anecdotal experience as both an undergraduate and graduate student at the Reynolds School of Journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno the PI observed direct conversations in which students openly acknowledged that they did not read the news or stay up to date on current events. Additionally, these college students openly conveyed how they relied solely on social media platforms (rather than well-known publications and broadcast stations) for information. As professional journalists ideally function as watchdogs of society, it is imperative that journalism students develop responsible media literacy and research competencies. Further, they must be able to amass a wide scope of understanding on the topics on which they write. The failure to embody these professional best practices has serious implications on the truthfulness of their subsequent reporting as an active member of the journalism body in the United States, and by extension, the conclusions drawn by members of the general public who read the material they produce.