“News literacy is the acquisition of 21st-century, critical-thinking skills for analyzing and judging the reliability of news and information, differentiating among facts, opinions and assertions in the media we consume, create and distribute. It can be taught most effectively in cross-curricular, inquiry-based formats at all grade levels. It is a necessary component for literacy in contemporary society.”

These six principles from the Radio Television Digital News Foundation are to guide producers and consumers of news and information.

1. Free expression is the foundation — the cornerstone — of democracy.