On February 21, 2023, the Academy of Ukrainian Press held an online bridge with Lauri Palsa, Ph.D., Senior Advisor, and Head of the Media Literacy Group at the National Audiovisual Institute KAVI (Finland).
"Today we will talk about the Finnish experience. We will hear how the country managed to promote media literacy at the national level. Finland is a leading country in promoting media literacy," said moderator Tetiana Ivanova, a media expert at the Academy of Ukrainian Press, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor, and Head of the Department of Social Communications at Mariupol State University.
Lauri Palsa began his speech by saying that media literacy is not something that can be copied and used. The same models do not work everywhere. It is important to take into account the local context.
The expert is convinced that there is no single way of development. Many factors need to be identified to understand where to go next. It is important to clearly identify media opportunities, the threats they can pose, and the media culture we want to form. And, in general, what the plan should be when building skills in the audience. The paradox of the situation is that each social group has its own protocol of work, according to their needs: "Media literacy is a long-term perspective. It should always be relevant to society and life," says Lauri Palsa.
Finland has a national media literacy policy that was developed in 2019. It was formed in such a way as to cooperate with other institutions. This made it possible to create a certain future for media literacy: "We provide different ways of access. Everyone has the opportunity to develop media literacy on their own. The first goal is that media education is mandatory. It is for everyone. " Lauri Palsa emphasized that media education is systematic and consistent and has long been a part of Finnish education.
Lauri also emphasized that the format of such online bridges is relevant and should be functioning all the time: "When we share our experiences, we can find common ground and realize solutions to problems, especially in today's environment. Cooperation between people helps to find the right foundation. One organization can do little, and when many organizations are involved in an issue, it has a better impact on society," said Lauri Palsa.
Watch the broadcast in Ukrainian: https://buff.ly/3ZdA3iA
The Academy of Ukrainian Press is implementing this project with the support of the Media Program in Ukraine, which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Internews.
