BC Invites Students and Community to Attend Its First Media Literacy Symposium

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

By Deanna Rea

The BC Library is excited to host its first ever Media Literacy Symposium on Thursday, October 24th from 8:00AM to 5:00PM in the Levan Center and Zoom. This symposium aims to educate students, staff, and the wider Bakersfield community on the importance of media literacy and its role in democratic engagement.

With the increasing influence of digital media, literacy education is extremely important to residents in Bakersfield and Kern County. As a modern academic institution, Bakersfield College is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all community members, students, staff, and faculty when traversing the media landscape. Our skilled librarians and presenters are equipped with the necessary expertise to demonstrate how to navigate and understand a constantly changing media landscape.

This symposium takes place during U.S. Media Literacy Week, an annual event hosted by the National Association of Media Literacy Education (NAMLE) that emphasizes the importance of media literacy education. Ariel Dyer, the Reference Librarian at Bakersfield College, explains that “Becoming media literate can help dispel fears and myths, and empower people to seek out and create information. We would like to do something for the U.S. Media Literacy Week every year!”

This symposium will focus on local journalism and election literacy, covering topics such as conspiracy theories and elections, voting 101, ballot measures, AI and misinformation, and the role of news media in shaping the public's opinion. The confirmed presenters are Emma Gallegos (Journalist, Cal Matters), Joey Merritt (BC Librarian), Laura Luiz (BC Librarian), Erin Auerbach (BC Journalism faculty), Mary Helen Barro (League of Women Voters).

You can register now by visiting the BC Online Events Calendar. The event is free, and seating is limited. We hope to see you there!