Nation's Oldest Media Literacy Organization Celebrates 60 Years; Honors Three

MADISON, Wis. - Nov. 6, 2013 - PRLog -- Madison WI (November 6, 2013) The National Telemedia Council, based in Madison Wisconsin, celebrates its 60th year on Friday November 8, 2013 by hosting a day-long series of discussions and presentations, culminating with the recognition of the annual Jessie McCanse Award.

The Jessie McCanse Award, established in 1987, honors co-founder Jessie Hill McCanse for her lifelong dedication and leadership role in media literacy.  In recognizing the example set by Mrs. McCanse, the award is given for individual contribution to the field of media literacy, over a long sustained period of time of at least ten years.   It honors individuals whose contribution exemplifies her high principles and dedication.

NTC will convene at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Pyle Center Friday morning with elementary, high school and college students from Wisconsin and Canada presenting their work in media literacy education.  Professionals in the field from California, Canada and Australia will join the conversation.

The conference will be streaming live and archived online through Google Hangout at the following link:

https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/103842368421269558789/events/cva2asum4rbpea6j70on2dq5p2k

Media literacy, as defined by NTC, is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate and create information in a variety of print and non-print media formats. Media literacy is an expanded view of traditional literacy essential to survival in a media-filled world. It is mindful viewing and reflective judgment.

Media literacy is the "ability to choose, to understand--within the context of content, form/style, impact, industry and production--to question, to evaluate, to create and/or produce and to respond thoughtfully to the media we consume. It is mindful reading, listening and viewing, accompanied by reflective judgment."

Media literacy is recognized by a host of international and national educational organizations including the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE,) the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21), the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards, and many others.

NTC is also the publisher of the nation's oldest media literacy journal, now called The Journal of Media Literacy.

(NOTE: The following is embargoed until 5pm CT Friday November 8)

The 2013 Jessie McCanse Awardees are:
Frank W. Baker- an author and media educator from Columbia SC, who operates the national Media Literacy Clearinghouse website

Tessa Jolls- executive director of the Center for Media Literacy, based in Los Angeles, California

Barrie McMahon--former classroom teacher, media studies consultant and curriculum manager with the Department of Education and Training in Western Australia