Strategy and priorities for the promotion of Media literacy

BT Response to the Ofcom Consultation "Ofcom's strategy and priorities for the promotion of media literacy"

This paper comprises BT's formal response (dated  August 10, 2004) to Ofcom's consultation document published on June 1,  2004.

Executive summary

• We are in general agreement with Ofcom's approach to media literacy, especially the importance given to research and partnership.  Our specific comments are as follows;

• We strongly support Ofcom's approach of working with other parties such as Government Departments and agencies, industry groups, consumer bodies and the academic community.  It is important that the limited resources Ofcom is able to deploy in this area are used in areas that are both important and appropriate.

• The definition of media literacy should make a clear distinction between a basic set of skills all citizen-consumers need in order to use information and communications technology safely and effectively; the higher critical skills, and the more extensive capabilities usually related to employment.

• A key objective of research should be to identify groups whose daily lives do not usually bring them into contact with ICT.  This means they often lack not only basic skills but awareness of the benefits ICT could bring them. 

• Well publicised abuses of the Internet, such as viruses, fraud and offensive material must be countered by raising awareness of what is being done to protect citizen-consumers and what they can do to protect themselves and their families.  Otherwise, fear may become a material impediment to wider use of ICT.

• We have reservations about the idea of a single labelling system for audio-visual content.  We feel that any activity in this area should be based on research covering both consumer and technological issues.
  

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BT would welcome comments on this response. Comment should be addressed to Peter Strickland at: peter.strickland@bt.com