When did your organization launch and why?
The ASU Cronkite School launched the News Co/Lab in 2017 as a way to expand its media literacy offerings by increasing collaboration with journalism, education and technology organizations.
What does your organization do? What are its main goals? Main initiatives?
The News Co/Lab works to advanced media literacy across three main constituency groups — journalism, education and technology. We do this through collaborative research, applied projects and media literacy course offerings. Key initiatives include the online BA in Digital Media Literacy the News Co/Lab developed for the Cronkite School and the Mediactive collection of free media literacy online courses available for the public and for professional development. Coming soon is a Mediactive course tailored to healthcare workers.
What makes your organization stand out? What would you say is the most unique thing about your organization?
Being housed at a large public university, we are able to reach broad audiences, from internal collaborators to industry partners and students of all ages. Our degree program is a first of its kind in the U.S. Another unique aspect of the News Co/Lab is that we have projects in research, journalism practice, and media literacy education, which allows us to broaden our impact.
What are recent projects or new resources that your organization would like to share with other NAMLE members?
Recent project websites:
- Voices Listening Project with Wick Communications
- Community Engagement Reporting class
- Digital Media Literacy BA information
Recent research sponsored by the News Co/Lab:
- Moon, Y. E., Roschke, K., Nelson, J. L., & Lewis, S. C. (2023). Doctors Fact-Check, Journalists Get Fact-Checked: Comparing Public Trust in Journalism and Healthcare. Media and Communication, 11(4), 380-391.
- Roschke, K. (2020). The MOOC for Media Literacy: Examining Media Literacy Practices in a Massive Open Online Course. In Media Literacy in a Disruptive Media Environment (pp. 194-210). Routledge.
What are the connections between the work of your organization and media literacy?
Our work is all connected to media literacy! The courses we teach are directly related, and our research and project work looks at media literacy and related issues like misinformation and institutional trust.
Why is media literacy important to your organization?
Media literacy is integrated into the Cronkite School’s mission: “We educate and empower communicators to create an informed and inclusive society, advancing understanding and connection among creators, audiences, industry and the academy.”
Anything else you want our readers to know about your organization, your mission, or your staff?
Kristy Roschke, director of the News Co/Lab, is a proud member of the NAMLE board.
The views and opinions expressed in the Organizational Spotlight blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of NAMLE or its members. The purpose of the Organizational Spotlight blog is to highlight our Organizational Partners and give them a place to share their reflections, opinions, and ideas.