Baltic MIL Day 2024

Riga, Latvia - On October 30, 2024, the Baltic Center for Media Excellence (BCME) will host the Baltic MIL (Media and Information Literacy) Day.

 

Baltic MIL Day is the main platform for exchanging opinions and promoting cooperation between regional experts who are committed to strengthening media literacy and combating disinformation in the Baltics. The purpose of the event is to strengthen the leaders of local communities, taking into account the important role of local communities in acquiring media literacy. At the event, we will explore the intersections of MIL with new technologies, public involvement and the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of information ecosystems.

 

Highlights of Baltic MIL Day 2024 Include:

Opening Remarks by Gunta Sloga, Executive Director of BCME.

Keynote Presentation:

"Fighting for a Media Welfare State: What, How, and Who is in Charge?"

Presented by Anne Leppäjärvi, a prominent doctoral researcher from Tampere University and Journalism Degree Director at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences in Finland.

 

Media Club Presentations

One of the key highlights of Baltic MIL Day 2024 will be the Media Club presentations, part of the ongoing Resilient Baltics project. These presentations will showcase innovative approaches to enhancing media literacy within diverse communities across the region. Speakers include Alina Hachetlova, a curator of cultural and educational programs from Latvia, Irina Shlick, Director of Eesti Juudi Kogukond in Estonia, and Paulius Andruškevičius, the chief methodologist at Povilas Višinskis Public Library in Lithuania. Each of these experts will share their experiences and methodologies for engaging audiences in critical thinking, responsible media consumption, and resilience to disinformation. The Media Club presentations aim to highlight practical solutions and community-driven efforts in tackling the challenges posed by today’s fast-evolving media landscape.

 

Panel Discussion: The Role of Communities in Teaching Media and Information Literacy

The panel discussion titled “The Role of Communities in Teaching Media and Information Literacy” will explore the pivotal part that local initiatives and community-based programs play in promoting media literacy across the Baltic region. Moderated by Gunta Sloga, Executive Director of the Baltic Center for Media Excellence, the discussion will feature panelists such as Zane Matesoviča, Country Director of the British Council in Latvia, Jorens Dobkevičs, Director of the association "New East" in Latvia, Linas Skirius, Board member of the Civic Resilience Initiative in Lithuania and Irina Shlick, Director of the Jewish Community of Estonia. Together, they will address how grassroots efforts can equip citizens with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate today's complex media environment. The panel aims to uncover how communities can empower individuals to critically engage with information and build resilience against disinformation at the local level.

 

Generative AI and Media Literacy:

Lukas Keraitis from Lithuania in his session "Generative AI - What can it do and what can be done with it?" will address the cutting edge topic of generative AI. His presentation will discuss the possibilities of AI technology in voice synthesis.

 

Presentation by Dr. Rihards Bambals: Disinformation and FIMI in Latvia

Dr. Rihards Bambals, Director of Strategic Communications at the Government Office of Latvia, will present on the growing challenge of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) in Latvia. His talk, “Disinformation and FIMI Landscape in Latvia: What Should Everyone Know?”, will highlight how foreign actors use disinformation to destabilize Latvia's media and influence public opinion.

 

Presentation by Laure Delmoly: AI and Media Education

Laure Delmoly from CLEMI, France, will present “AI and EMI and Pedagogical Resources of CLEMI.” She will explore how Artificial Intelligence can enhance media literacy education and share CLEMI’s resources designed to help educators teach critical media consumption in the digital age.

 

Mental Health and Media:

A mental health workshop, “Sanity in the Era of Madness”, led by Estonian mental health expert Annika Raiim, will address the psychological challenges posed by constant exposure to media noise, disinformation, and social media pressures.

 

Collaboration and Networking Opportunities

In addition to thought-provoking sessions, participants will engage in a networking workshop designed to foster successful collaborations among MIL implementers. Led by Maja Nenadovic, Co-Founder of Reflectory, this workshop aims to solidify the regional network of MIL practitioners and enhance joint efforts in promoting media literacy education.

 

Event Details:

Date: October 30, 2024

Time: 09:30 - 19:00

Location: K.K. fon Stricka Villa, 9 Aristida Briana Street, Riga, Latvia

Registration: https://forms.gle/eCaJy1cuumZ6uMwL9 

Full agenda here

 

 

For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Agnese Ēķe-Cēsniece
Project manager

mail: agnese.eke@bcme.eu