National News Literacy Week 2026 focuses on rebuilding trust in the age of AI
MWN-AI** Summary
National News Literacy Week 2026, scheduled from February 2 to 6, emphasizes the critical need to restore trust in news amid the rising prevalence of AI-generated content. Organized by the News Literacy Project in partnership with The E.W. Scripps Company, USA TODAY, and the USA TODAY Network, this event aims to equip educators with free resources to teach students how to discern credible information in an increasingly complex media landscape.
Charles Salter, CEO of the News Literacy Project, highlighted the challenges faced by Generation Z and Generation Alpha, who are bombarded with misinformation via social media. A concerning study revealed that 84% of U.S. teens view the press negatively, often seeing journalism as untrustworthy. The week serves to combat this distrust by empowering youth with the skills to critically evaluate the information they encounter and make informed decisions.
Adam Symson, Scripps president and CEO, reinforced the organization’s commitment to public service journalism, stressing the responsibility of news organizations to guide individuals through the maze of misinformation. The initiative emphasizes that improved news literacy not only fosters trust in the media but also encourages healthy skepticism among young consumers.
In addition, experts argue that local journalism remains essential in helping communities stay informed, especially in an age where AI can spread falsehoods rapidly. Michael Anastasi from the USA TODAY Network emphasized the importance of teaching critical information evaluation skills to foster trust in factual reporting.
The News Literacy Project aims to make media literacy a standard part of education for all students, ensuring they graduate with the essential skills to navigate the modern information environment.
MWN-AI** Analysis
As the technology landscape continues to evolve, particularly with the omnipresence of AI-generated content, the importance of media literacy cannot be overstated. National News Literacy Week (Feb. 2-6, 2026) highlights the urgent need for today's youth—Gen Z and Gen Alpha—to navigate a complex environment filled with misinformation. This initiative, supported by credible organizations like the News Literacy Project and Scripps, aims to equip educators and students with the essential skills to discern fact from fiction.
From a market perspective, companies involved in education technology and media literacy stand to benefit significantly from the increased emphasis on critical thinking and responsible journalism. As young consumers become more discerning in their news consumption, there will be a rising demand for products and services that promote accurate information dissemination. Thus, investors should look for opportunities within companies that focus on educational content, digital literacy solutions, and trustworthy news platforms.
Additionally, companies focusing on local journalism and community engagement, such as The E.W. Scripps Company and USA TODAY, could see enhanced patronage as they reinforce their commitment to factual reporting. Their efforts in fostering trust can lead to loyal audience bases, ultimately resulting in sustainable revenue streams from subscriptions and local advertisements.
It’s important to monitor trends surrounding media consumption, particularly among younger demographics, as their preferences could reshape advertising strategies and determine the growth trajectories of media organizations. By staying ahead of these trends and investing in firms that prioritize trust and transparency, stakeholders can position themselves to capitalize on the heightened scrutiny surrounding news credibility. In a world where digital information often lacks the traditional hallmarks of reliability, the imperative for credible journalism and informed consumption is more critical than ever.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With AI-generated content everywhere, it’s not easy to know what information is accurate – or even real.
That’s why the seventh annual National News Literacy Week (Feb. 2 – 6) focuses on helping teens find credible news and information they can trust.
Presented by the News Literacy Project, The E.W. Scripps Company, USA TODAY and USA TODAY Network, the week provides educators with free tools and resources to teach today's teens how to judge for themselves when information is reliable, accurate and fair.
“Gen Z and Gen Alpha need to learn how to confidently navigate through a sea of AI-slop and viral rumors that fill their feeds,” said Charles Salter, president and CEO of the News Literacy Project. “National News Literacy Week is an opportunity for educators to equip their students with the skills they need to make informed decisions about what to trust.”
When it's hard to know what's true, many young people default to distrusting news and other information. A recent News Literacy Project study found that 84% of U.S. teens hold negative views of the press, often describing journalism as deceptive or inaccurate.
“Today’s young people are inheriting a world where truth has to fight harder than ever to be heard,” said Adam Symson, Scripps president and CEO. “As a trusted news publisher, the Scripps News Group has a public service responsibility to help people navigate an increasingly complex information environment. National News Literacy Week is one way we equip the next generation to separate fact from falsehoods and make confident, informed choices.”
Students who learn news and media literacy skills report higher trust in the press and are more likely to consume news. It helps teens embrace healthy skepticism — not harmful cynicism — about the information they encounter.
“Local journalism plays a critical role in helping our readers understand what’s happening in their communities, and that role matters even more in an era of AI-generated falsehoods,” said Michael Anastasi, senior vice president of local news for USA TODAY Network. “Teaching young people how to evaluate information critically is essential to building trust in credible, fact-based reporting.”
About News Literacy Project
The News Literacy Project is a nonpartisan education nonprofit that works with teachers, school districts, states and community partners like libraries and after-school clubs to ensure students in all 50 states receive news literacy instruction before they graduate from high school. Learn more at www.newslit.org.
About Scripps
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating connection. As one of the nation’s largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of more than 60 stations in 40+ markets. Scripps reaches households across the U.S. with national news outlets Scripps News and Court TV and popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Grit, ION Mystery, ION Plus and Laff. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps Sports serves professional and college sports leagues, conferences and teams with local market depth and national broadcast reach of up to 100% of TV households. Founded in 1878, Scripps is the steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, and its longtime motto is: “Give light and the people will find their own way.”
About USA TODAY Co.
USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY Network, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations, including our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions.
About the USA TODAY Network
USA TODAY Network, part of USA TODAY Co., Inc. (NYSE: TDAY), is the leading news media publisher in the U.S. in terms of circulation and has the largest digital audience in the News and Information category, excluding news aggregators, based on the December 2024 Comscore Media Metrix® Desktop + Mobile. Our Domestic USA TODAY Media segment is comprised of USA TODAY, daily and weekly content brands in more than 200 local U.S. markets across 43 states and our community events business, USA TODAY Network Ventures. With deep roots in local communities spanning the U.S., we engage approximately 140 million monthly unique visitors, on average, through a diverse portfolio of multi-platform content offerings and experiences. For more information, visit usatodayco.com.
CONTACT
Christina Veiga
Senior Director, Media Relations
cveiga@newslit.org
A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b122a92f-4b7a-4067-966b-aaf56874693f
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/da6e41eb-2939-4198-8c3f-834f482afa49
FAQ**
How does USA TODAY Co. Inc. (NYSE: TDAY) plan to support initiatives like National News Literacy Week to foster trust in journalism among teens?
In what ways can USA TODAY Co. Inc. (NYSE: TDAY) leverage its extensive digital audience to promote news literacy and combat misinformation?
What partnerships does USA TODAY Co. Inc. (NYSE: TDAY) have with the News Literacy Project that amplify their shared goals in promoting credible news?
How does USA TODAY Co. Inc. (Tday) measure the impact of its educational programs on news literacy and public trust in journalism?
3. In what ways can the E.W. Scripps Company (The) SSP support educators in effectively teaching news literacy skills to teens?
4. How does the E.W. Scripps Company (The) SSP measure the impact of news literacy initiatives on young people's trust in journalism?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about E.W. Scripps Company (The) (NASDAQ: SSP).
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