Essential News Media Awareness Education

The "birds and the bees" about perception vs. reality
(The Educators' Version)

It is hard to dispute that the news media is a pervasive part of our society. We cannot help but have our perceptions of reality influenced by its messages—carefully crafted words, images, sounds and stories shape our view of what’s going on in the wider world. But are we being steered to view issues and events in a way that is different to how they occur in reality?

The critical lessons we should have received in high school but didn't...

In this essential news awareness education, you will find out:-

• The six commonly held misconceptions about news media that weaken our society
• How news can be misleading, deceptive and manipulative
• The critical distinctions between “fact” vs. “truth” and “ideology” vs. “reality”
• The significance of omission of context, broader perspectives and serious events
• Why you cannot necessarily spot all “fake news”, nor check if all news items are completely correct or lacking in key information
• How even your most trusted news sources can be biased and inaccurate
• Whose interests are really being served by the news makers?
• How we can start the correction of perception

Perception shapes our beliefs, our values and our behaviours. The subject matter to which I am referring, is relevant to “Social awareness – perspective forming” that is referred to in “PDHPE” syllabus outlines, but it could also fit into “Society and Culture”. The most important thing is that this material is taught extensively to ALL students, and not just some.
 
Please take 11 minutes to watch my introduction to this presentation for more context and please share it with all your education staff. By hearing this information, you will all see why it necessary to thoroughly educate every person in our society about this, including our youth.

​This is very important, and it applies to everyone. Yes, including you! 

Thanks for your attention,

Felicity Fedele
BA (Mass Communications—Media Studies) 
Grad. Cert. Public Relations
Cert IV Workplace Training & Assessment 
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