In this study, we test the effectiveness of a short media literacy message with audiences who
differ in their media literacy education. We manipulate whether individuals are exposed to a
media literacy PSA immediately before viewing a political program among two groups: students
enrolled in media education courses versus students in a non-media course. Findings suggest that
the ability of media literacy messages to influence students’ processing of the subsequent
political program is conditioned by their preexisting media literacy education. This study
provides insights for considering how classroom and non-classroom media literacy interventions
can work together to improve media literacy.