Media and Information Literacy Training in India: Plenty amidst Scarcity-A Case study in Indian Scenario

Indian media and information sectors are witnessing exponential growth which eventually raises pertinent questions, such as-are Indians equipped enough to handle this media explosion or information revolution? Are they suitably empowered to distinguish fact vs fiction/real vs reel/bias vs hidden agenda/advertisement vs advertorial vs paid news? Above factors lead to a felt need for empowering ordinary media users to sensitise them to use media messages judiciously. In this regard, a Needs Assessment Study was conducted to ascertain the need of the media and information literacy programme. The Needs Assessment Study relied on three data sets to establish the need for the programme on Media Literacy. The first data set is, the UNESCO had recommended media and information literacy indicators through a report in 2013. The same indicators are applied in the first part of the study, data pertinent to indicators are sourced through available secondary resources. The second data set is, a survey conducted among Indian media academics in order to get the educational perspectives of Indian scenario on media literacy. Thirdly, the Focus Group Discussion by inviting experts of those who are working in the areas of MIL, this FGD meeting was meant to develop the curriculum based on first two data sets. The results from these three data sets will be presented in a full paper format.