Practical Tips for Developing Media Literacy Skills

The average American interacts with media on average eight hours a day.  Therefore, it is essential to have a critical understanding of how the media is made, by whom, for whom and for what purposes?  

Media literacy is the ability to critically analyze and critique media content such as news, TV shows, movies, advertising and social media.  Media literacy entails an understanding of media as a business, and how this economic model impacts the kind of media and messages we have access to.  Media literacy explores alternative/independent media sources as well as our own ability to participate and actively make media content.  Media literacy encourages un-mediated (or non-media) experiences as well.  Media literacy is necessary for an informed public and for the greater good of a democratic society.   

This practical webinar, led by Dr. David Gracon, MA '01, BA '99,  will provide basic tips and suggestions for attaining media literacy skills that can be implemented immediately in your daily life.  

About David Gracon
Dr. David Gracon is a U.S. Fulbright Scholar and visiting professor of media studies at Transilvania University located in Brasov, Romania with a project focused on critical media literacy education.  His research/creative and teaching interests include critical media literacy, the political economy of media, alternative media and documentary film.  He was previously a Fulbright Scholar in Ukraine (2017-2018) and served as a faculty member at Eastern Illinois University and Gonzaga University.  He earned his doctorate in Media Studies from the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication (2010); MA in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University (2023); MA in Humanities (Media Studies/Sociology) from SUNY University at Buffalo (2001); and double BA from SUNY University at Buffalo from the Department of Media Study and Sociology (1999).