We sat down with Rosemary Smith, Media Literacy Now’s State Advocacy Leader in Montana, to learn more about her background, passion about media literacy, and the “Trust Me” Documentary. 

Rosemary, you’re the State Advocate in Montana. Can you give folks a little background about yourself?

In addition to being Montana’s state lead, I manage Montana-based Getting Better Foundation. The Getting Better Foundation supports media literacy education and legislative efforts and is the producer of “Trust Me” Documentary. Prior to joining the Getting Better Foundation, I co-owned and operated Michigan’s Eagle Radio Group with my husband. Eagle Radio expanded to serve all of Northern Michigan and Michigan’s “Upper Peninsula” during the 2000s economic downturn to serve a dozen communities through our FCC-licensed radio stations.

I’ve dedicated my life’s work to building awareness of the benefits of media literacy to each individual and to society. As someone concerned by rising suicide, violence, and substance abuse in my state, I’ve also partnered with other nonprofits to bring Henry Ford Zero Suicide from Michigan to Montana.

You have such an interesting background! How did you find yourself interested in media literacy and connected with Media Literacy Now?

My experience as a broadcaster gave me insight into what builds community and what tears communities apart.  I found it usually comes down to communication or a lack of communication! Twenty years ago, we didn’t realize we were teaching media literacy when our Eagle Radio Group’s morning shows hosted discussions about how to bridge conversations, resulting in positive change and understanding. The radio group continued to practice the “Fairness Doctrine” long after the FCC did away with it — giving voice to all sides of a story and helping people recognize that we are all similarly seeking understanding, peace, and participation in making our world an even better place. And as a mother, I witnessed firsthand how a lack of media literacy affects people — especially young people whose minds are still forming.

When my husband and I moved to Montana, I met the founder of the Getting Better Foundation, Joe Phelps.  Once Joe and I realized our missions were aligned, I came on board to lead the foundation, spearhead its media literacy efforts, and help produce “Trust Me” Documentary.

Tell us about the Trust Me documentary.

Watch the Trust Me Documentary trailer on YouTube or the Getting Better Foundation website.

Getting Better Foundation’s initial efforts were to scholarship teachers wishing to build their media literacy skills.  Although fruitful, it was belaboring and slow work! We vowed to continue efforts to legislate a cure, but in the meantime, wanted to address the rising polarization, threats to democracy, and mental health on a broader scale. That’s where the idea came to produce “Trust Me.”

The film brings awareness to people’s need for media literacy with true stories where a lack of media literacy led to crises. Experts then explain how our brains are susceptible to sensational news, how trustworthy media outlets work to make us aware of information necessary for us to make important decisions that align with our values. Viewers come away with understanding and resources they can use to think more critically.  “Trust Me” screens globally thanks to a rising tide of recognition of media literacy as a viable tool to be able to discern the vast amount of media we are all consuming since the advent of the internet.

As our advocate in Montana, what do you plan on focusing on in 2025? What obstacles or opportunities do you foresee?

Early experiences speaking with Montana lawmakers left me frustrated, as they didn’t appear to grasp how a lack of media literacy was affecting their constituents. If it weren’t for Media Literacy Now, who provided advice, as well as model legislation, shared best practices, and networking, I may have given up on fostering change! 

What media literacy legislation does is ensure access to quality resources and instruction for ALL students…not just those in more affluent school districts or exposed to the most passionate educators. Thus, I’ve proposed to Montana’s Board of Education, Governor Gianforte’s office, and the Office of Public Instruction, to consider writing media literacy standards into the core civics curriculum.

That will ensure:  1. all students receive media literacy training, as it will be a graduation requirement; 2. teachers receive the professional development necessary to learn how to implement media literacy into their lesson plans; and 3. less affluent districts receive funding to help encourage and see to it that media literacy is being conducted statewide.  This is the first time we’ve gotten Gubernatorial and Board of Ed support, so I feel optimistic that we’ll be able to move forward on media literacy standards.

How would you suggest individuals  — whether they live in Montana or elsewhere — get started if they’re interested in advocating for media literacy education?

If you’re in Montana, reach out to your policymakers to let them know you care about media literacy education efforts and they should too. You can use Media Literacy Now’s general outreach form and an email will be sent to your respective representatives. 

Additionally, you can learn more broadly by visiting Media Literacy Now and Getting Better Foundation’s websites. Thanks to Media Literacy Now, I’ve had access to other like-minded experts working to ensure all people nationwide are empowered with media literacy.