National News Literacy Week 2024: Spotlight on local news
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 22, 2024 — As millions of Americans prepare to vote in local, state and federal elections this year, National News Literacy Week 2024 highlights the importance of news literacy and local news in a healthy democracy. The fifth annual event kicks off today with opportunities for participation throughout the week.
Online and in-person events offer the public, educators and students easy-to-adopt tools and tips for navigating our information landscape. A public service announcement campaign in broadcast and print will reach millions of Americans. Everyone can join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #NewsLiteracyWeek.
The initiative is co-presented by the News Literacy Project, a nonpartisan nonprofit that teaches people how to tell fact from fiction in the news and information they consume, and The E.W. Scripps Company, a diversified media company and one of the nation’s largest local TV broadcasters.
“Two things are necessary for a healthy democracy: A more news-literate public and a vibrant local press,” said Charles Salter, president and CEO of the News Literacy Project. “National News Literacy Week is one way that we are leading a movement for news literacy across the country, ensuring that everyone has the skills they need to be informed participants in our civic life.”
“Scripps’ longtime motto is ‘give light and the people will find their own way,’” said Adam Symson, Scripps president and chief executive officer. “Across our local and national newsrooms, this translates to a responsibility to help news consumers sift through all the information that is now available at their fingertips. This year’s National News Literacy Week spotlights this important function of the free press and empowers the public with tools to recognize credible information.”
Head to NewsLiteracyWeek.org for a full lineup of events, to download our social media toolkit and to explore free news literacy resources. News organizations interested in donating ad space can download our ads and PSA.
About the News Literacy Project
The News Literacy Project, a nonpartisan education nonprofit, is building a national movement to advance the practice of news literacy throughout American society, creating better informed, more engaged and more empowered individuals — and ultimately a stronger democracy.
About The E.W. Scripps Company
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating a better-informed world. As one of the nation’s largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of more than 60 stations in 40+ markets. Scripps reaches households across the U.S. with national news outlets Scripps News and Court TV and popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Defy TV, Grit, ION Mystery and Laff. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps’ long-time motto is: “Give light and the people will find their own way.”