"What is so special about small media systems? The following article touches upon their structural peculiarities, arguing that the small states perspective in communication science is not limited to Western Europe: small production and sales markets, dependence on and the high penetration with forei
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gn media make the operation of domestic media organizations in small states more difficult. In some countries, this problem is intensified by giant next-door neighbours sharing the same language. The main claim of this article is that size has an impact on media regulation as well. It is suggested that small states, in order to protect and promote media diversity, are inclined to an interventionist approach of media regulation. They may even revert to protectionist measures undermining the goal of media diversity." (Abstract)
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"The Guide contains six main chapters. After an Introduction (Chapter 1) the Guide provides an overview of the phenomena of cybercrime (Chapter 2). This includes descriptions of how crimes are committed and explanations of the most widespread cybercrime offences such as hacking, identity theft and d
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enial-of-service attacks. The Guide also provides an overview of the challenges as they relate to the investigation and prosecution of cybercrime (Chapters 3 and 4). After a summary of some of the activities undertaken by international and regional organizations in the fight against cybercrime (Chapter 5), the Guide continues with an analysis of different legal approaches with regard to substantive criminal law, procedural law, international cooperation and the responsibility of Internet Service Providers (Chapter 6), including examples of international approaches as well as good-practice examples from national solutions." (Introduction)
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"Using historical data from Freedom House's Freedom of the Press index this report assesses regional trends regarding differing levels of print and broadcast media freedom. While an initial set of data covering 1980-88 shows a clear pattern of print media ranked as freer than broadcast media in ever
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y country studied, a later data set covering 1994-2001 shows that while print media outlets faced fewer direct government controls, they were targeted more often by governments in terms of legal harassment and physical attacks on journalists and their facilities [...] While the openings in the broadcast sector present new opportunities, several factors should be kept in mind in order to use these opportunities wisely and to their full potential. As seen in the historical data concerning print media, the existence and growth of private outlets in a media environment that is still circumscribed by government or political restrictions can lead to legal or extra-legal crackdowns against independent media and journalists. Therefore, the promotion of a more open and diverse broadcast sector through the reform of licensing and regulatory frameworks needs to be accompanied by broader legal reforms. Self-regulatory mechanisms and targeted training to improve professionalism in this sector also need to be promoted." (Summary, pages 4-5)
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"This handbook on media regulation and self-regulation is based on the outcomes of the International Summer School organized in 2009 in Belarus with the support of UNESCO’s Moscow Office. The event targeted media law experts and media educators from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus and the Russian Fed
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eration. The International Summer School brought together leading Russian and Belarusian experts in the field of media law. Its programme included the issues of international standards of freedom of expression, access to information, protection of honour and dignity, author rights in journalism and communication, self-regulation of the media as well as approaches and methods of teaching media law to journalists and media professionals. Based on the Summer School outcomes, this handbook on teaching the subject of media regulation and self-regulation was distributed among the stakeholders." (UNESCO website, 6 Jan. 2010)
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"This Media Reform Action Guide is your invitation to rise up, take to the phones, the Internet and the streets to build a better media system. Each chapter in this guide will help make your voice heard on the media issues that matter to you. Whether you’re motivated to fight for a free and open I
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nternet, for diverse media ownership, or for vibrant public and independent media, this guide is for you. The Media Reform Action Guide provides valuable, step-by-step information on everything from raising awareness and monitoring your local media to advocating for national policy changes. It will help you make an impact – and connect you to other activists and to a powerful movement for better media." (Page 3)
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"According to the introduction, this 'guide is intended as a tool for media reform particularly in developing and transitional democracies. At the same time, it should be useful anywhere people aspire to a deeper democracy. Building democracy is a process, often long-term, and promoting free, plural
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istic, and independent media should be a central part of it.' The book provides development practitioners with an overview of the key policy and regulatory issues involved in supporting freedom of information and expression and enabling independent public service media. Country examples illustrate how these norms have been institutionalized in various contexts. Specific chapters cover public service, community nonprofit and commercial broadcasting regulation. The study is complemented by a 122-page bibliographical annex." (CAMECO Update 5-2008)
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