Strengthening Democracy with Media Literacy: A National Security Imperative
Full video of event to follow; check our website for more details.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 24, 2024) – The McCain Institute at Arizona State University (ASU) and the National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE) convened experts from media literacy, cybersecurity, and academia to discuss how to protect democracy by building resilience to misinformation threats.
The event, “Strengthening Democracy with Media Literacy: A National Security Imperative,” is one of a series of democracy focused events hosted by the McCain Institute across the United States this fall.
Panelists discussed how social media has been used by foreign adversaries to influence U.S. voters, the intersection of national security with media literacy, how to keep elections safe and secure, and the investments needed to expand media literacy education.
“We need to ensure that our younger generations are learning how to think critically about the media that is being put in front of them,” said McCain Institute Director of Democracy Programs Paul Fagan. “It’s essential to the future of democracy across the globe.”
“Media literacy is not yet a national priority in the U.S., and we believe that we have a moral imperative to improve the educational system to provide students of all ages with the skills they need to succeed in the digital world,” said NAMLE Executive Director Michelle Ciulla Lipkin.
“Media literacy is a shared responsibility for all of us,” said NAMLE Board Member Dr. Kristy Roschke. “We have agency in how we consume and use information but we want to make sure people feel comfortable and confident doing that. It’s a universal imperative.”
Panelists in the event included Amy Cohen, Executive Director, National Association of State Election Directors; Paul Fagan, Director of Democracy Programs, McCain Institute; Sabra Horne, Entrepreneur-In-Residence, BMNT; Stephanie Flores Koulish, Professor & Program Director, Curriculum & Instruction for Social Justice MA Degree, Loyola University; Michelle Ciulla Lipkin, Executive Director, National Association for Media Literacy Education; Jessi Hollis McCarthy, Program Specialist, Poynter/MediaWise; Sarah McGrew, Affiliate Assistant Professor, University of Maryland; Chris Piper, Former Chief Election Official of Virginia, Current Executive Director, Virginia Public Access Project; Kristy Roschke, Director of the News Co/Lab, Arizona State University; Katya Vogt, Chief of Party and Senior Expert, IREX.
Full video of event to follow; check our website for more details.
This is the latest in a series of U.S. democracy focused events the McCain Institute is taking part in this fall. Beginning with a launch event at the McCain Institute’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., additional events have been held in Arizona and Pennsylvania, and the final two events will be held next week on Oct. 29 and 30 at the University of Wisconsin in Madison and Milwaukee.
Learn more about the McCain Institute’s Democracy Programs HERE.
About the McCain Institute at Arizona State University
The McCain Institute is a nonpartisan organization inspired by Senator John McCain and his family’s dedication to public service. We are part of Arizona State University and based in Washington, D.C. Our programs defend democracy, advance human rights and freedom, and empower character-driven leaders. Our unique power to convene leaders across the global political spectrum enables us to make a real impact on the world’s most pressing challenges. Our goal is action, not talk, and like Senator McCain, we are fighting to create a free, safe, and just world for all.
About Arizona State University
Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American research university, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.
About NAMLE
The National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE) is the leading voice for media literacy education in the U.S., engaging educators, media professionals and diverse stakeholders to make media literacy a critical life skill. Since 1997, NAMLE has built a network of over 8,000 members and 65+ partners, advancing media literacy across education, technology and media sectors.
