"We begin with an outline of areas of law that must be considered. Over time, across societies, it is possible to suggest specific areas of legal development that are essential for media law reform. In the first part of this study, we examine a substantial list of such areas, from defamation rules t
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o freedom of information (FOI). As to each media-specific area and areas of general application, we will provide an indication of how law can contribute or detract from establishing an enabling environment. To the extent possible, we will draw upon experiences in a wide variety of societies and transition states. In Section 4 we move to a discussion of the rule of law: conditions that make law effective, useful, and just in achieving a media structure that serves to bolster democratic institutions. This discussion addresses considerations such as the separation of powers, independence of the judiciary, and establishment of reliable regulatory bodies that are loyal to enunciated legal principles. We then turn to a somewhat broader set of enabling factors for the media.larger societal issues such as the state of the economy, the extent of demand for information, and the extent of ethnic and political pluralism before concluding with certain practical considerations on resources and techniques for enhancing an enabling environment." (Introduction)
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"These five country reports: on Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, provide a general overview of the current state of media affairs in the country concerned, focus on media legislation and cases of harassment of journalists and provide country-specific recommendations t
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o the governments on what can be done to improve the situation. Many of the remarks and opinions expressed are highly critical of the authorities, often concentrating on government-orchestrated campaigns against independent and opposition media. In some of these countries over the past decade journalists have fallen victim to the ultimate form of censorship: what I refer to as “censorship by killing.” Cases of “structural censorship,” which include numerous forms of indirect pressure on media through state-controlled monopolies on printing facilities and distribution, misuse of tax inspections, and other mostly economic and financial forms of pressure, are abundant in the Central Asian countries." (Preface, page 5)
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"Clearly as important providers of information, the media are more likely to promote better economic performance when they are more likely to satisfy three conditions: the media are independent, provide good-quality information, and have a broad reach. That is, when they reduce the natural asymmetry
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of information, as Joseph Stiglitz puts it in chapter 2, between those who govern and those whom they are supposed to serve, and when they reduce information asymmetries between private agents. Such a media industry can increase the accountability of both businesses and government through monitoring and reputational penalties while also allowing consumers to make more informed decisions.
This book cites many examples that demonstrate the value of information provided by the media. Alexander Dyck and Luigi Zingales (chapter 7) discuss how the media can pressure corporate managers and directors to behave in ways that are socially acceptable, thereby avoiding actions that will result in censure and consumer boycotts. They also report that in Malaysia, a recent survey of institutional investors and equity analysts asked which factors were most important to them in considering corporate governance and the decision to invest in publicly listed corporations. Those surveyed gave more importance to the frequency and nature of public and press comments about companies than to a host of other factors considered key in the academic debate. However, the dissemination of credible information in a timely manner depends critically on how the media business is managed and regulated. The chapters in this book document evidence on media performance and regulations in countries around the world and highlight what type of public policies and economic conditions might hinder the media in supporting economic development in poor countries." (Pages 1-2)
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"On 5 September 2002, an International Seminar bringing together representatives of the Afghan government, local civil society and the international community adopted a Declaration on Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic Media in Afghanistan (‘the Declaration’). This Declaration, together wi
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th the Policy Directions on Reconstruction and Development of Media in Afghanistan issued by the Minister for Information and Culture on 6 June (‘the Policy Directions’), constitutes the basic framework for the development of media policy in Afghanistan. Both the Policy Directions and the Declaration are firmly rooted in international law and standards. This Explanatory Memorandum seeks to elaborate the international and comparative law basis for the Declaration, particularly relating to the guarantee of freedom of expression. It draws on international law, as elaborated in the decisions of international courts and authoritative international statements, as well as leading national court decisions interpreting constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression. It is intended to contribute towards implementation of the Policy Directions and Declaration. Where possible, specific suggestions are made for the practical implementation of individual action points mentioned in the Declaration. This memorandum first discusses the importance of freedom of expression in a democratic society, with particular emphasis on the special role of the media. It then provides a commentary on those issues addressed in the Declaration which are of a legal or regulatory nature, including public service broadcasting and the promotion of an independent and pluralistic media." (Introduction)
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"Die russischen Medien haben sich in der Krise eingerichtet: Leere Kassen, mauernde Bürokraten und Gewalt gegen Journalisten prägen den Redaktionsalltag zwischen Petersburg und Wladiwostok. Fast vergessen ist die glorreiche Glasnost-Zeit, als die Presse unversehens vom passiven Chronisten zum mach
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tvollen Akteur der Umgestaltung wurde. Seither hat sich vieles verändert. Meinungsbildung findet heute in den Regionen statt, eine neue Generation von Journalisten wächst heran - und die Ära Putin diktierte auch innerhalb der Medienlandschaft Russlands "neue Spielregeln"." (Verlagsbeschreibung)
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