NEWS MEDIA LITERACY AMONG JOURNALISM STUDENTS IN CHENNAI: A SURVEY-BASED STUDY

Abstract

The rapid expansion of digital communication platforms has significantly transformed the contemporary news environment. As individuals increasingly encounter information from diverse and sometimes unreliable sources, the ability to critically assess news content has become an essential competence. This study investigates the level of news media literacy among journalism students studying in higher education institutions in Chennai, India. The research employs the News Media Literacy Scale (NMLS) developed by Vraga et al. (2015), which evaluates four components of media literacy: Authors and Audiences, Messages and Meanings, Self-Perceived Media Literacy, and Value of Media Literacy.

Data were collected through an online survey administered to undergraduate and postgraduate journalism students (N = 150). The findings indicate that respondents generally report high levels of news media literacy across the four measured dimensions. The highest mean score was observed in the Authors and Audiences dimension (M = 4.45), while the lowest score was recorded for Self-Perceived Media Literacy (M = 3.75). Statistical analysis also reveals that students with higher academic performance and those who had completed internships reported stronger perceptions of media literacy. When compared with earlier research conducted among communication students in the United States, the results suggest broadly comparable levels of media literacy.

The study contributes empirical evidence to the relatively limited body of research examining media literacy among journalism students in the Indian context. The findings highlight the role of both academic achievement and professional exposure in strengthening students’ ability to critically engage with news media.