Ofcom, as telecommunications regulator, is obliged by the
Communications Act of 2003 to promote media literacy in the UK. It
defines media literacy as the ability to access, understand and
create communications in a variety of contexts.
The survey of 3,244 respondents found that television was the
most familiar media platform, with most people being aware of the
watershed and how particular channels are funded. But the research
shows that TV is still being used in a largely traditional way,
with only 30% of those with digital TV having made use of the
interactive features.
Seventy-seven percent of respondents had access to digital radio
services, but one third were unaware that they could access the
services through their digital TV or the internet. Only 27% of all
respondents had ever listened to digital radio, but of these, 68%
said they now listened to more radio stations.
Most people who used the internet said they did so in order to
access information, while almost 75% of internet users used email
at least weekly.
Age was found to be a significant indicator of the extent and
types of media literacy. Mobile phones were seen to be a pervasive
media technology for the 16 24 age group, while those aged
65 and over appeared to have significantly lower levels of media
literacy than other age groups.
With regard to mobile phones, the 16 – 24 age group was found to
be comfortable with the wider functionality of the devices, while
older users tended to use them mostly for communication.
According to the research, levels of concern about content vary
across platforms, with there being little concern over mobile phone
content and more concern over internet content. A sizeable minority
of internet users were found not to be confident about blocking
viruses or email scams.
Many people, especially the elderly, said they preferred to
learn media skills from family and friends or by themselves, rather
than in formal groups. The highest area of interest for many people
was in learning how to use the internet, said the survey. One third
of people said they were interested in learning more about digital
platforms and services.
