ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes processes and issues that have emerged in developing a national curriculum in media literacy in the Israeli educational system. Out of the public and academic debate over the role of the media in a democratic society emerged what appears to be a national consensus calling for institutionalization of media literacy programs in schools. The commercial television being introduced in Israel reproduces in many respects the American style of programming. Opposition to this commercial format was one of the primary reasons for the delay in the introduction of television. Media industry officials, too, seemed pleased with the demand for media literacy programs in the schools. The complexity of processes involved in curricular development efforts and the problems and gaps described between intention and practice suggest that there is a need for some fresh rethinking and a renewal of efforts to guide development of media education in Israel.
