"Our 21 contributors -– most of them from Asia, and representing media, development or humanitarian sectors -- do not engage in mere theoretical discussions. In 19 chapters of this book, they draw on their rich and varied experience working in either preparing disaster resilient communities or res
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ponding to humanitarian emergencies triggered by specific disasters. Some are journalists who have reported on disasters from the 'ground zero'; others are aid workers, public information officials or development professionals who have been at the forefront in emergency responses or are engaged in disaster risk reduction. Diverse as their backgrounds and experiences are, our contributors share a belief in the central role that communication can play before, during and after disasters occur. Within this, they offer a kaleidoscope of perspectives as well as a great deal of practical advice on how to communicate hazards and disasters at inter-personal, inter-agency, inter-sector and public levels. The tools, technologies and methods may vary, but there is a broad consensus that to be effective, communication needs to be two-way, inclusive, participatory and sustained over time. It is not an 'add on' to other development interventions, but an integral component in its own right." (Page 3)
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"In this handbook we aim to define the issues of corruption, put them into the context of Sri Lanka, and explore the media’s role in exposing corruption and encouraging accountability. We present and analyse the findings of our research into corruption investigative reporting (CIR) in the Sri Lank
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an media – the experiences of Sri Lankan reporters, how they perceive their role and responsibility when it comes to corruption. We define investigative journalism and explore the qualities, skills and tools that make a good investigative reporter. Case studies are integrated into the handbook to help illustrate corruption and CIR in action." (How to use this handbook)
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"This paper presents preliminary findings from a multi-sited qualitative study of poverty and information and communication technologies (ICTs) in India, Indonesia Sri Lanka and Nepal. It draws upon data gathered by 12 ethnographic action researchers working across 15 community ICT initiatives. Thes
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e local, 'embedded researchers' are part of a larger international project called Finding a Voice: Making Technological Change Socially Effective and Culturally Empowering, which includes UNESCO (South Asia) and UNDP (Indonesia), in partnership with Queensland University of Technology, the University of Adelaide and Australian Research Council, along with numerous local and regional organisations." (Introduction)
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"A study by De Alwis (2006) on the reporting of the Sri Lanka conflict under censorship, made comparisons to Western theories and models. The findings disclose the unique techniques used by the local press to circumvent media regulations. Censorship lacks the ability to tighten its hold on the local
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press who flaunt social responsibility and their watchdog instincts. These results are in stark contrast to Western scholarship and express an inadequacy of the Western theoretical perspectives for understanding Asian internal conflicts. The study posits the importance of understanding cultural dimensions before theorising on media behaviour and proposes an alternative model to arrive at new theoretical paradigms. Further, perceptions of non-Asian audiences on Asian media behaviour are evaluated to invite deliberations on Asian communication perspectives." (Abstract)
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"The media play an important role in stimulating discussion in developing countries. Yet journalists asked by Panos say that the media have a poor understanding of the climate change debate and express little interest in it. Public discussion of the policies and issues involved is urgently needed. T
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his means those engaged in climate change issues must give journalists what they need for a good story." (Page 1)
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"As part of a broader analysis of corruption in emergencies, the U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre initiated a dialogue on the role(s) of the media. On 30 May 2006, a working meeting held at NORAD offices in Oslo brought together donors, NGOs and journalists, including media practitioners from Sri
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Lanka, Liberia and Nepal. The purpose was to draw on actual case studies to suggest ways in which humanitarian agencies and the media can mutually support responsible coverage of corruption in emergency aid. Recommendations to donors, humanitarian agencies, and both local and international media are presented at the end of this report." (Back cover)
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"This is an evaluation of the project “Promoting Professionalism, Independence and Accountability in Sri Lanka” under the Sri Lanka Press Institute, SLPI. SLPI has two major departments: the Press Complaints Commission of Sri Lanka, PCCSL, and the Sri Lanka College of Journalism, SLCJ. PCCSL is
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a self-regulatory body for press ethics, while SLCJ is running a one-year diploma course in journalism and a number of short term mid-career courses for working journalists. The major funding of the SLPI has come from Sida and Norad for the period 2003–2006. This has been supplemented by funding from DANIDA towards the end of this period. The Institute for Further Education of Journalists, Fojo, has been the Swedish partner to SLPI to support institutional capacity building [...] During a short duration of less than three years SLPI has achieved a lot. The institute is up and running. Most of the practical aspects of setting up an institute have been achieved. In addition, a whole new section for the training of TV and radio journalists which was not on the original plan has been established. Most journalists we met agreed about the concept of self-regulation and commended the SLPI for pioneering the concept. The courses conducted by the College and Fojo have acceptance within the media industry. Despite these achievements, SLPI has been going through a certain degree of turmoil in recent times, mainly linked to management issues. Hence the organisation has entered a period where it needs to sort out these issues and consolidate itself." (Executive summary)
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"This publication features a series of papers that represent an early exploration of the challenges and opportunities for actors committed to gender equality in the information society. It is meant to open up the debates that can pave the way for a sustained engagement of gender activists with one o
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f the most powerful contemporary social phenomena." (Back cover)
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"The purpose of this handbook is to examine how journalists can fulfil their duties within a framework of producing high quality, ethical journalism that is responsive to the needs of the community. The handbook aims to give Sri Lankan journalists an appreciation of their role in society with partic
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ular emphasis on journalism driven by public service values. This report looks at ways individual journalists can play their part in overcoming these problems as part of the peace-building process and the advancement of Sri Lankan society. More importantly, it would allow the media to fulfil its role as the watchdog of an informed democratic society. It proposes, as a solution, that journalists strive for increased professionalism using the public service journalism model as the basis for change. The book explains the role of the journalist with particular regard to producing high quality ethical journalism that informs and engages the public – a vital element in the creation of a vibrant democracy. Checklists are useful in changing behaviour by implementing a new practical way of doing work. The checklists that appear throughout the handbook offer ways to ensure high quality ethical journalism that meets the values of public service journalism. The handbook is part of a strategy to encourage the support of journalists, editors and media owners to transform Sri Lanka’s media with the broad support of the community." (How to use this handbook, page 4)
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"This book is a review of 56 projects funded by the Pan-Asia ICT R&D Grants Programme for Asia-Pacific from 2002-2005. The aim of this book is to examine trends within these particular information and communications technology (ICT) projects in order to determine factors for success, and, common cha
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llenges. The underlying goal is to understand which projects have a lasting impact and can be replicated on a larger scale [...] In general, the review and analysis show that projects of particular value are those that increase access to information, improve efficiency, and support participation in civil society and governance initiatives. A key factor of success is projects that embrace participation and include a consultative process in their design, planning and implementation phases. However, the research showed that building partnerships and reaching common understandings throughout the planning of these initiatives was a complex and challenging undertaking. The importance of dissemination and marketing of project results is a common thread throughout each of the projects in this book. Some projects with successfully completed research objectives could not progress further without substantial promotional efforts. The analysis in this book also points to a range of strategies in which projects can be expanded on a larger scale. For example, project models can grow by moving to new locations thereby gaining momentum elsewhere." (Foreword)
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