A grassroots campaign is currently underway, appealing for the removal of bird names, particularly those with derogatory names. Some names are generally accepted, like Wilson’s Warbler, which was named after ornithologist Alexander Wilson for his research contributions. However, other bird species are named after enslavers, supremacists, and criminals. Birder communities suggest naming the birds for the qualities and characteristics that make each one of them special, not notorious individuals from the past. Read full article here
Research
Improving media literacy could boost trust towards the news, IMPRESS report suggests
The UK media is regulated by the likes of IPSO and Ofcom. The report by press regulator IMPRESS highlights the link between low levels of media literacy and trust in the news. The study found that three quarters of those who did not know if journalists were regulated did not trust the news. It suggests that improving media literacy is one way to stem the erosion of trust, and shows that audiences have an appetite for information on news processes. Stakeholders need to collaborate in order to rebuild trust in the news, and independent media is well placed to do this. Read full article here
Merv
February 1, 2023
