Portugal is laudably promoting media literacy – but there’s more to be done
When Lisbon experienced a 10-hour electricity blackout just over two weeks ago, rumours and conspiracy theories quickly filled the vacuum of official information. Wild speculation about the origin of the disruption spread through the streets. It was a timely reminder of how much we need reliable journalism. It also revealed a generational divide. Older people were the ones listening to their radios to hear updates from trusted voices.
Getting more young people to engage with reliable news sources is a challenge that many countries are grappling with and Portugal might have an idea worth replicating. A new government programme offers teenagers aged between 15 and 18 a free two-year digital subscription to a range of vetted media outlets. Through a government portal, they can access respected newspapers and magazines, such as national daily Público, weekly Expresso and digital newcomers such as Observador, as well as financial and business titles. The goal is to combat disinformation with media and digital literacy, and while it is a considerable public investment – an estimated €5.9m – it’s a bargain when stacked against the social and democratic costs of fake news.
The media industry puts vast amounts of effort and money into attracting younger audiences. Across the globe, we’re seeing fresh formats, with more audio, video and newsletter content to keep up with the changing times. All of that is welcome. But while it’s crucial that media organisations evolve to meet the moment, it’s also imperative that we can convey how journalism differs from social-media opinion. When I was growing up, we always had newspapers in the house and I had people around me who pointed me towards not only credible sources but to writers who made me think more deeply. That’s not the case for many young people in Portugal today, so any effort to encourage this is to be welcomed.
Governments can and should play a role in fighting misinformation and initiatives that lift financial barriers to trustworthy sources are a good start. But perhaps more of us need to embrace the influencer within: we should show young adults the benefits of critical thinking and how longer, well-researched and deeply reported reads can be more rewarding. In Finland, information literacy is taught in kindergartens. Here in Portugal, Público recently launched an online resource for students and teachers with news written in more accessible language for classroom discussion. But good journalism cannot become homework. Suggest a subscription. Share an article. Recommend a columnist. Crucially, take the time to discuss ideas. A strong media landscape is essential to countering misinformation but it’s nothing without critical thinking.
Gaia Lutz is Monocle’s Lisbon correspondent. For more opinion, analysis and insight, subscribe to Monocle today.
