What is media literacy and why does it matter? Perspectives of Senegalese media professionals

Abstract

Like other West African countries, Senegal has not been spared from the adverse political, social, cultural and economic effects of misinformation. Although the country stands out as a pioneer in West Africa for introducing media literacy education within the school system in the early 1960s, it has not yet established a national strategy for promoting media literacy. At the same time, media literacy has been touted as one way to address misinformation. This study surveys media professionals to capture their understanding of ‘media literacy’ and explores their views on implementing a national media literacy policy. A thematic analysis of 22 in-depth interviews shows that although media professionals are not particularly knowledgeable about media literacy, they view the Senegalese government, the media and opinion leaders as potential agents of change in promoting media literacy in schools, mosques, markets and other public spaces where information circulates.