In the eyes of today’s teens, journalism and the media are doomed.

In two major surveys of US teens conducted over the last two years, the nonprofit News Literacy Project found deep levels of mistrust and misunderstanding of the news:

• Only about half ofteens know that “branded content” is a form of advertising;

• Only 52 percent of teens understand that articleslabeled “commentary” are opinions;

• ·Teens have overwhelmingly negative impressionsof news, calling it “fake,” “crazy,” “biased,” “boring,” and “bad”;

• Just 15 percent of teens actively seek out news,and many hold low opinions of journalists’ truthfulness and ethics. Half of teens, for instance, believe that journalists make up quotes.

The root of this distrust is the lack of “newsliteracy,” argues Charles ("Chuck") Salter, the News Literacy Project’s President and CEO.

Host: Anne Kim, Senior Editor, Washington Monthly

Guest, Charles Salter, President and CEO, News Literacy Project

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to News Literacy and Its Importance

03:37 The Disturbing Findings of the Studies

06:01 Understanding Teenagers' News Literacy Levels

08:47 The Negative Perception of Journalism Among Teens

11:20 The Role of Popular Culture in Shaping Attitudes

14:01 The Risks of Low News Literacy

16:40 The Societal Impact of Mistrust in Journalism

19:30 Advice for Journalists and Conclusion