February 12, 2025
Students Want Media Literacy
In an age of targeted disinformation and misleading messages, media literacy has never been more important. While information ecosystems become increasingly polluted, more students are looking for adequate instruction. A 2024 News Literacy Project study found that 94% of teens want quality media literacy but aren’t receiving it.
While the future of meaningful K-12 media literacy instruction faces significant uncertainty, some colleges are strengthening programs for students. Several universities, including Arizona State, Baylor, and UNC Charlotte, offer free or self-guided media literacy resources, webinars, and courses to help students develop critical thinking and digital literacy skills.
Local News Adapts to New Landscape
The state of local news is in flux, with newspapers downsizing amidst ongoing shifts in restructuring. Medill’s 2024 State of Local News report highlighted the continued decline of local journalism in the U.S., revealing nearly 55 million Americans now have limited to no access to local news. Research from the American Journalism Project showed that nearly half of U.S. counties have only one local news outlet or none at all.
Despite negative trends, local journalism is getting creative with innovative services and funding. Local opinion journalism is evolving through philanthropic partnerships, with new initiatives in Minnesota, California, and Virginia. Local news outlets are also diversifying revenue streams by creating community spaces, hosting events, and integrating new business models.
PR Pros Must Wield AI Responsibly
As AI continues growing across the public relations industry, safeguarding data privacy is essential. PR professionals must carefully manage AI privacy by adjusting chatbot settings and understanding local AI models to prevent data leaks and protect client confidentiality. The rise of AI in PR also poses ethical and legal challenges, among fragmented global regulations.
Europe has been a global leader ushering in AI regulations, but new signs point to a potential pivot. The European Commission has withdrawn proposed regulations on technology patents, AI liability, and online privacy, citing low chances of approval from EU lawmakers and member states. American political pressure is also mounting—in his first speech abroad, U.S. Vice President JD Vance criticized European regulators at an AI summit in Paris.
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