The Jessie McCanse Award for Significant Contributions to the Field of Media Literacy Education
Background:
To honor Jessie’s inspiring leadership, the National Telemedia Council established the Jessie McCanse Award on the occasion of her 90th birthday in 1987. As the organization became the International Council for Media Literacy, the award remains a cherished tradition that will carry on. Many of the past recipients are a part of the Advisory Council that guides the organization with the principles and practices established by the founders. This award has been deemed the equivalent of the “Nobel Prize” in the Field of Media Literacy.
Jessie Hill McCanse was co-founder of the National Telemedia Council (then the American Council for Better Broadcasts), a lifelong civic leader, mentor, teacher and educational broadcaster. In the 1930s, Jessie provided the initial impetus and inspiration which began the organization as a radio awareness committee of her local group of the American Association of University Women in Madison, Wisconsin. Together with Dr. Leslie Spence and other remarkable women, she gave leadership, wisdom and patience toward developing careful, critical, but positive listeners to the broadcasts of their time. For fifteen years, her voice was heard weekly on WHA, the statewide Wisconsin Public Radio Station, as host of “Broadcast on Broadcasts.” In this capacity, she worked closely with the early Wisconsin Pioneers of Public Broadcasting. As a teacher, Mrs. McCanse brought to the fledgling group the sound, reasonable educational principles and practices that are today the basics of media literacy. Her indefatigable dedication lasted through the decades of television, cable, satellites, new media and into the computer age. Jessie served actively on the NTC Board of Directors until her health failed her in 1996.
Description:
The Jessie McCanse Award is given for an individual’s dedication and contribution to the field of media literacy education over a sustained period of at least ten years in a leadership role. It honors individuals whose contributions exemplify Jessie’s positive philosophy, her principles of fairness and ethical practices, her creativity, and her role as a collaborative bridge builder.
Nomination process:
The award is given every two years with nominations taken from IC4ML Board members and Advisory Council members via a form that includes:
- Nominee’s name and contact information.
- A 500-word description of the nominee’s major contributions to the field of media literacy.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
- The name and contact details of two professional references, along with their written (200-300 word) endorsement/tribute for the nominee.
As an international award, we respect and encourage applications from around the globe. Although there is no expectation that the nominee’s work will be in English, the nomination and presentation will be in English. We will work with applicants to overcome any language barriers to the best of our abilities.
Judging criteria: The award committee is looking for a nominee who fits the following criteria:
- Has worked in a leadership role in the field of media literacy education for at least ten years
- Contributed to media literacy education in a sustained, verifiable way
- Represents the principles of fairness, and ethical practices in all they do
- Is known to be a creative and collaborative bridge builder
The committee reserves the right to not give the award should there be no nomination that merits it. The committee may choose more than one award and up to three awardees in each cycle.
