The University of Navarra in Madrid hosted, on September 11, a conference organized by the Federation of Regional Radio and Television Organizations (FORTA) and the Iberian Observatory of Digital Media (IBERIFIER), dedicated to the role of media literacy in contemporary society. The event brought together around 50 participants, including representatives of Spanish local radio and television stations, researchers, and academics.
In the opening session, Professor Charo Sádaba, from the Faculty of Communication at the University of Navarra and a member of the IBERIFIER team, emphasized the importance of equipping citizens with the skills to critically engage with information, particularly in a context marked by misinformation and information overload. She also presented 11 projects recognized as good practices in media literacy, which may serve as references for future public policies and educational programs.
Another highlight was the presentation by Vítor Tomé, from ISCTE-IUL, who offered a definition of media literacy and analyzed how journalists and media outlets have collaborated with schools and teachers in educational initiatives. The discussion also addressed resources and methodologies for designing, implementing, and evaluating projects in this field.
The program included a roundtable in which representatives of various FORTA outlets shared regional experiences in media literacy, as well as a strategic workshop led by Roberto Suárez Candel, co-founder & Managing Director @South 180, focused on developing action plans for audiovisual organizations.
Closing remarks were delivered by Carmen Amores, Director-General of Castilla-La Mancha Media, and Charo Sádaba, who underscored the joint commitment of universities, media organizations, and professional associations to advancing media literacy as both a cultural and democratic priority.