"The practicability and effectiveness of state support schemes would have to be assessed on the basis of the economic and sociopolitical context in which the different types of support and subsidies are implemented. The expansive press subsidy schemes of Northern Europe cannot be directly compared t
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o the West African support schemes or the recent Latin American efforts to deconcentrate the media landscape and support to community media. There is no automatic relationship between the economic crisis and the scaling down of state support to media. The development and implementation of support schemes depend on political will." (Conclusion, page 31)
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"Conducted in 2009 by a group of five Masters in New Media (humanities) students from the University of Amsterdam under the supervision of Geert Lovink the research examines both the role and implementation of ICTs in Uganda, covering a wide range of subcultures and projects, including internet cafe
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usage, print media, NGOs and communities, software subcultures and civic new media. The book argues that now is the time to look beyond the technology layer and instead focus on the social implications and local consequences of digital media’s widespread use. By recognizing the impact that ICTs have on society and identifying what functions currently and what needs to be improved, we can more effectively understand and develop these technologies in the future." (Back cover)
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"This book provides a clear and authoritative introduction to the emerging Arab media industries in the context of globalization and its impacts, with a focus on publishing, press, broadcasting, cinema and new media. Through detailed discussions of the regulation and economics of these industries, t
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he authors argue that the political, technological and cultural changes on the global media scene have resulted in the reorganization of the Arab media field. They provide striking examples of this through the particular effects on media policies, media technology and the content and genres developed for the new generation of media consumers. As part of the book's overview of the contemporary characteristics of Arab media, the authors outline the development of the role of modern Arab media from a tool of mobilizing the public to a tool of commercial and symbolic profit. Overall, the volume illustrates how the Arab region represents a unique case where the commercialization and liberalization of selected media industries has gone hand in hand with continuous state intervention and an increasing self censorship." (Publisher description)
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"On its path towards media freedom, Mongolia has seen some inspiring developments but has also faced major setbacks. Following the political transition in 1990 print media sprang up extensively, and since the late 1990’s a host of electronic media has been launched. The actual media output in the
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capital as well as the countryside is impressive both in numbers and variety. There were 340 media outlets in 2005 serving a population of 2.5 million people. However, the sector faces many challenges. Despite the many media and communication initiatives that exist in the country and are supported by various donor organisations, the Mongolian government does not have a comprehensive media and communication policy that deals in a systematic way with the huge challenges facing the industry, including the lack of infrastructure and the creation of a viable market for media and communication products in rural areas. For these reasons it is extremely important to increase support for free and independent media and progressive civil society groups in a sustainable fashion; but within the specific context in which Mongolian media professionals operate. The issues faced by media on a national level (Ulaanbaatar) and in the countryside are diverse but equally problematic, and a different approach is necessary to support their development." (UNESCO website, 16.11.2007)
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"This books is the first standard introduction into the situation of the mass media and journalism in Romania [...] The mass media system of Romania is shown in its essential elements: the legal framework, the economy of the media, the institutional structure of the printed press and of the audio-vi
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sual media, and the element of media education. Part of this analysis shows the kind of battles for control of the professional field among various interest groups, among them: media owners, managers, pundits, stars, reporters etc. This book gives full insight into the impressive evolution of the mass media in Romania. The context of the post-communist press and of the communist one is analyzed under such auspices. The study reveals elements of continuity both at the level of institutional structures, also of work routines and, particularly, of professional ideology. A remarkable point is made in showing the connections between the 19th century, and the beginning of the 20th century press. The emphasis here is on the kind of political culture: a high regard of the subjective, of a press of personal expression, of elitism. The connections to political parties and the awareness of a missionary role in creating a national identity through mass media are presented and reflected in view of the present day media system and its journalism." (Publisher website)
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"The author describes how the function of Lithuanian media has changed in different historical phases - due to changing political, economic and cultural conditions. The aim is to show how innovations, e.g. technological innovations, new media structures or cultural patterns, entered Lithuanian media
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and at the same time linked them to the changes that took place on the international level. It will be shown how Lithuanian journalism has formed its specifics to meet numerous changes in the national environment. The contemporary Lithuanian media situation is measured against the normative ideal of democratization and a journalistic culture is described that has survived in the historical development of media as institutions within specific social millieus. The overview follows a comparative approach based on the idea that a national perspective is too narrow. Therefore, the development of Lithuanian media is partly compared, partly contrasted with the changes that have occurred in relations with neighboring countries, especially Latvia and Estonia. The main task is to describe the peculiarities - with the aim not to comment on them, but to understand them." (Publisher description)
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"Die Autorin legt eine Analyse der Rolle der Journalistenverbände im Rahmen der Öffnungsprozesse in Jordanien und im Libanon vor. Jordaniens König leitete 1991 den Demokratisierungsprozess ein, der Libanon befindet sich nach Ende des Bürgerkriegs 1990 auf Re-Demokratisierungskurs. Die Journalist
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enverbände stehen im Spannungsverhältnis zwischen den hohen Anforderungen an die Medien und die Zivilgesellschaft in diesen Veränderungsprozessen und der Verankerung in den gesellschaftspolitischen Traditionen. Die Journalistenverbände sind in zweifacher Hinsicht von Interesse: zum einen als Verband und somit Bestandteil der Zivilgesellschaft und zum anderen als Interessenvertretung der Journalisten, also derjenigen, die die Inhalte der Medien maßgeblich prägen. Inwiefern entsprechen die internen Strukturen der Verbände zivilgesellschaftlichen Anforderungen? Welches Selbstverständnis von Journalistsein gibt der Verband vor? Sind Journalisten Sprachrohr der Regierung oder vierte Macht im Staat? Schützt der Verband Journalisten vor Eingriffen des Staates oder sind sie sein verlängerter Arm? Die Autorin geht der Frage nach, inwiefern sich die externen Faktoren des gesellschaftspolitischen Erbes in den internen Strukturen der Verbände aktualisieren und inwieweit sich die Verbände über bestehende strukturelle Zwänge hinwegsetzen. Die präzise Analyse der Verbände - angereichert durch die Recherche vor Ort und einer Vielzahl von Interviews mit Journalisten und Verbandsfunktionären - ermöglicht einen tiefen Einblick in gesellschaftspolitische Machtstrukturen und Aushandlungsprozesse und trägt zu einem besseren Verständnis der Region bei. Eine kritische Auseinandersetzung mit dem Konzept der Zivilgesellschaft komplettiert die Arbeit." (Verlagsbeschreibung)
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