Publishers highlighted the vital role that both print and digital newspapers play in promoting literacy

Thursday, September 06, 2012

Publishers highlighted the vital role that both print and digital newspapers play in promoting literacy, as EU Culture Commissioner, Androulla Vassiliou, today launched a new report on how to improve reading skills in Europe amid evidence of declining standards.

The report from the EU High Level Group of Experts on Literacy, chaired by H.R.H. Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands, gives recommendations on how to improve literacy across Europe. This follows studies indicating that one in five 15 year-olds in the EU have insufficient reading skills.

ENPA, the association representing publishers of newspapers and news media, provided input to the report, as part of a consultation of stakeholders. The final recommendations include the use of a full range of reading materials, including

newspapers, in literacy teaching from early childhood to adult learning. The report also notes that reading newspaper articles is in particular an appealing way of getting adolescent boys, who may be reluctant to read books, to improve their reading ability. ENPA President, Ivar Rusdal, said: “Newspaper publishers have voluntarily invested in very creative and stimulating media literacy projects in many European countries. Both young people and adults can be motivated to improve their reading skills by enjoying news media in print and digital formats. In our view, the news media is an essential part of any effort to strengthen literacy across the generations.”

ENPA will continue to work with EU Culture Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou and her services to enhance literacy and media literacy in Europe.

Danièle Fonck, Director General of Editpress Luxembourg SA and chair of ENPA’s Media Literacy Working Group, said: “Reading news media does not only strengthen reading skills, but also promotes civic and social engagement in society. Newspaper publishers are therefore committed to fostering a reading culture and promoting the ability to critically assess written content on all platforms.”

For inquiries contact:

Francine Cunningham, Executive Director
Mail: francine.cunningham@enpa.be or tel: +32 (0)2 551 01 90

The European Magazine Media Association, is the unique and complete representation of Europe’s magazine media, which is today enjoyed by millions of consumers on various platforms, encompassing both paper and digital formats.

www.magazinemedia.eu

The European Newspaper Publishers’ Association (ENPA) is the largest representative body of newspaper publishers across Europe. ENPA advocates for 14 national associations across 14 European countries, and is a principal interlocutor to the EU institutions and a key driver of media policy debates in the European Union.