The MEA's Response to the House of Lord's Inquiry into Media Literacy

Following their recent inquiry into media literacy, in which The MEA participated by giving both written and oral evidence, the House of Lords' Digital and Communications Select Committee report was published this week.

In light of the Committee’s damning conclusion that there has been a 'failure to prioritise media literacy in the UK', the MEA is both pleased and reassured that the Committee’s recommendations reflect our long-held position that media literacy is not simply a set of isolated technical skills, but the outcome of robust, well-rounded media education.A good media education thus nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and cultural empathy, all essential qualities for enabling young people to participate fully and responsibly in civic and digital life.

The report also reflects several of our core positions:

 • The urgent need to re-establish media education in the National Curriculum, and particularly English. 

 • Recognition of the central role of teachers and the importance of specialist training, as well as initial teacher training. 

 • The importance of creative production as well as critical analysis

 • A call for joined-up thinking between regulators, policymakers and educators

 • And, crucially, the need for a coherent national strategy rooted in formal education, not just third-sector interventions

Whilst we welcome these points made in the report, we note that it barely mentions Media Studies or the specific expertise of media teachers. As future plans take shape, we’d urge policymakers to recognise the central role that Media Studies plays in developing media literacy, and the deep professional knowledge already held by educators in this field. 

However, we hope this report represents more than a policy moment. We hope it signals a turning point: towards sustained investment in media education as a foundation for a more informed, connected and resilient society.

Read the full report here