"As outlined in the introductory presentation the paths to state failure are various. It is conceivable that corruption, inefficiency and the erosion of state control of the legitimate use of force could lead to the gradual erosion of state capacity. More common, as in the cases of Somalia, Liberia,
...
Sierra Leone and DRC, is a situation in which armed conflict leads to the collapse of the incumbent regime and warlordism fills the vacuum that is left behind. In a more extreme case, the complete destruction of the state could be brought about, as has likely happened in Iraq since 2003. In order to rebuild state capacity, it is necessary to provide infrastructure, re-establish law and order, reassert the state’s monopoly on the use of force, make provisions for social services and, through all of these measures, regain political legitimacy. These are all considered to be necessary steps in helping a ‘failed state’ to become re-established in the wake of conflict. The question at the centre of the three themes of debate was where the media should be placed among competing priorities in state and social reconstruction. In order to tease out core issues, IMS created the two categories of ‘Media Purists’ and ‘Media Pragmatists’ to articulate opposing arguments. The background paper for the conference provides a detailed description of both positions. Participants were requested to use these perspectives to identify clashes of opinion and orientate themselves between these positions. Generally speaking, Media Purists would advocate against restrictions prescribed by the state and other bodies, whilst Media Pragmatists would see the need for regulation in order to create the desired media landscape over the longer-term." (Introduction, page 6)
more
"This report represents input from twenty-three practitioners who have observed, planned, and implemented media education programs of the U.S. and other Western governments, as well as those of private funders. The group discussed broad lessons learned and specific recommendations for policymakers,
...
donors, and implementers on how to improve U.S. foreign assistance for professional development of journalists. The executive summary (page 4) concludes: "Their recommendations are encompassed in three main ideas. First, improving media is a local project that requires local remedies, local partners, and deep understanding of local values and circumstances. One solution never fits all—just as ethical norms must be put into practice to fit local realities, so must programs fit local limitations. Second, success requires that the right people do the right job, preferably in concert on mutually determined goals, moderated by flexible rules and evaluated on long-term and qualitative goals. This means that donors should support creative programming by dedicated trainers and teachers who work with engaged journalists and persevering managers. Third, donors who want to be effective need to understand that short-term funding and training have not created long-term impact." (commbox)
more
"The working group considered how international media development programs—particularly those that are U.S.-supported—have succeeded or failed, discussed best practices, and made recommendations. Journalist Ann McFeatters served as the rapporteur for the meeting. The discussion focused on severa
...
l questions: What has succeeded in international media law development? What has not performed as planned and why? What is needed for success? What should be the role of the U.S. government and private donors? What new strategies should be tried? This report highlights working group’s main recommendations and points of discussion." (Executive summary, page 4)
more
"One in a series of collections from the Nigerian Book Fair Trust containing the opening addresses, keynote speeches, and papers presented at the Nigeria International Book Fair, held annually since 2002, each fair focusing on a special topic or topics. The theme of the 2006 book fair focused on two
...
topics: "National Book Policy and Sustainable Development" and "HIV/AIDS and Sustainable Development"." (Hans M. Zell, Publishing, Books & Reading in Sub-Saharan Africa, 3d ed. 2008, nr. 815)
more