Media Literacy: Australian context & framework Nerida O’Loughlin General Manager, Outputs Division International Media Literacy Research Forum May 15 th, 2008 London

Media Literacy in Australia: Contexts Media Literacy Media Regulation Market context Social Context Policy Interventions

Media regulation and policy contexts Media Literacy Media Regulation Policy Interventions Regulatory context – Converged regulator (ACMA) – A complex regulatory framework Policy interventions – Recently elected Rudd government – New portfolio for Department of Broadband, communications and digital economy (DBCDE) – Initiatives targeted at building the foundations for the digital economy : Connectivity / Confidence / Capabilities

Market and social contexts Media Literacy Market context Social context Market context – Digital technology is changing content creation and distribution – affecting traditional industries – Popularity of new communications devices (mobile phones, internet services at home…) Social context – Aging population – ¼ of Australians over 65 in 2036 – Diverse culture and high migrant population – Geographic spread with differences between metropolitan and remote Australia

Media literacy in Australia to date Media Literacy Media Regulation Market context Social Context Policy Interventions Research – Literature review (2007) – Children media use (Media & Communications in Australian Families) – Take up of new communications in Australia (Telecommunications today series) Activities – Cybersafety – Net Alert – Information about SPAM (Spam Alert) – Promotion of co-regulatory initiatives (Do Not Call register) – Information about electromagnetic radiation and safety – Information on digital broadcasting and transition to digital – Security, privacy, safety facts sheets – Classification of programs (codes of practices)

Foundations for a digital economy ACMA current activities and responsibilities Connectivity Providing infrastructure and the technology environment – National broadband network Computers in schools Digital television switchover Other wireless and cable broadband Convergent services & devices Confidence Providing a secure and trusted environment for digital information – Identity management, trust infrastructure, e-security, and reliable service performance Capabilities Building capabilities to access and create digital content Access including physical access and skills, understanding and participation incl. ICT skills training for teachers Content opportunities for innovative content creation for community and commercial use Communications Planning Spectrum planning, licensing managing digital switchover Information and safeguards Digital identity management Information security (anti-spam and e-security) Service performance (quality of en- user experience for NGN networks) Consumer information and protection Community research Community readiness research Digital literacy – barriers and enablers Monitoring – take up and use and community attitudes Regulation and compliance Content regulation (online and convergent devices) Codes of practice (broadcasting and internet content) Media literacy research program (aimed at understanding broad range of factors influencing and affecting access, understanding and participation in digital media and communications) 1.Media literacy 2.Technology developments 3.Emerging business models Promoting Media literacy in the digital economy