National News Literacy Week is an annual initiative that underscores the role of news literacy in a democracy and provides people of all ages with the knowledge and tools to become better informed and more civically engaged.

As defined by the News Literacy Project, “News literacy is the ability to determine the credibility of news and other information and to recognize the standards of fact-based journalism to know what to trust, share and act on.”

For News Literacy Week, which runs from Jan.22 to 26, the Jandoli Institute asked faculty at St. Bonaventure University’s Jandoli School of Communication to share their thoughts on the importance of news literacy.

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In modern times, it has never been more important for every person to understand the media they consume, particularly news.

We are inundated with news and information from endless sources. Some is intentionally meant to deceive. Some created by artificial intelligence. Some is simply low quality without thorough vetting.

Hopefully, we also all consume high quality journalism that has been deeply reported and presented without fear or favor. Because of this dynamic, more is required of each of us to ensure we put our own biases aside and seek out news that puts facts and the public interest first.

— AARON CHIMBEL, Dean

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At a time when people’s distrust for institutions in general is at an all-time, the media (never especially beloved in the first place) is especially distrusted.

The hyper-partisan nature of politics undercuts media credibility further: people want media that tells them what they want to hear, not what they need to hear. Recognizing propaganda (or even just commentary), and being able to differentiate that from actual news is a vital component of media literacy.

— CHRIS MACKOWSKI, Associate Dean

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Before you hit “share” on the tasty social media post, do some checking with other sources. Sharing isn’t an act of kindness if you’re helping to spread rumors and someone’s “I thought I might as well pass it along.”

— CAROLE McNALL, Assistant Professor

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With so many different ways to get information, it can be difficult to determine what is real or not. It then falls to each of us to make sure we know the truth before we disseminate what could be false narratives. Care before you share.

– PAULINE HOFFMANN, Associate Professor

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As a consumer, you think carefully before you make a purchase. Do the same as a consumer of news. Find news sources that are honest, accurate and objective. 

–– RICHARD LEE, Professor

Categories: Jandoli Institute, Media