Critical Insights in European Media Literacy Research and Policy

Abstract

This special issue of Media Studies turns to theoretical and empirical research for critical insights regarding future directions, with the emphasis on the European perspective and theoretical origins of the concept as well as making particular reference to European policy. As guest editors of this issue, we begin with some observations about the current state of media literacy research as well as its recurrent challenges. We suggest that, notwithstanding the recent explosion of interest in forms of media and digital or information literacies, building on a longer history of research and practical initiatives in media education, the results are uneven at best.