"Since the start of the “third wave” of democratization, in 1974, the proportion of states that are electoral democracies has more than doubled, and the number of democratic governments in the world has tripled (Diamond 2001). Countries as diverse as the Czech Republic, Mexico, and South Africa
...
have experienced a radical transformation of their political systems through the establishment of more effective party competition, free and fair elections, and a more independent and pluralistic press. Many hoped that these developments would expand the voice of the disadvantaged and the accountability of governments, so that policy makers would become more responsive to human needs, and governments could be removed from power through the ballot box if citizens became dissatisfied by their performance. Yet in practice, after the initial surge in the early 1990s, many electoral democracies in Latin America, Central Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa remain fragile and only poorly consolidated, often divided by ethnic conflict and plagued by a faltering economic performance, with excessive executive power in the hands of one predominant party and a fragmented opposition (Linz and Stephan 1996). The central danger, illustrated by the nations of the Andean region, lies in disillusionment with democracy, and even occasional reversals (Norris 1999; Pharr and Putnam 2000; Lagos 2001; Plattner and Diamond 2001)." (Summary)
more
"Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are increasingly seen as integral to the development process. This paper reviews some of the evidence for the link between telecommunications and the Internet and economic growth, the likely impact of the new ICTs on income inequality and anecdotal
...
evidence regarding the role of the Internet in improving government services and governance. It looks at methods to maximize access to the new ICTs, and improve their development impact both in promoting income generation and the provision of quality services." (Abstract)
more
"The first section provides summary information on 69 UNDP supported projects and initiatives as of 2002/03. These initiatives were identified primarily by desk research from three main sources: (i) direct feedback from the Sub-Regional Resource Facilities (SURFs)2), the COs and Regional Bureaux, (i
...
i) scanning of UNDP intranet databases and internal reporting systems especially the data contained in the ROAR3), and (iii) scanning of the internet including CO, SURF and Regional Bureaux websites and general Internet searches [...] The second section provides information on more than 100 international organizations actively working on Access to Information issues. The majority of these organizations work with developing countries to promote freedom of expression and information. They were identified through (i) internet and literature searches (ii) direct feedback from country offices, regional bureaux and SURFs and (iii) referrals from within and outside UNDP." (Page 6)
more
"This paper argues that heightened media involvement in the PRSP (Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers) process could help build a stronger independent media sector while preparing citizens to take an active role in dialogues that will have a huge impact on their lives. Media involvement would help fra
...
me issues for discussion; provide background analysis; and disseminate results of the consultations, noting minority or dissenting points of view. In addition, similar to the steps taken to strengthen the private sector in developing countries, the resulting PRSP itself could include legal and regulatory reforms that would facilitate the development of an independent media sector. A skilled and viable independent media sector is a society’s most promising tool for providing citizens the information they need to bring about and sustain government reform and poverty reduction." (Page 1)
more
"Las páginas que siguen tienen, además de un rico arsenal teórico, un evidente carácter testimonial. Refleja los esfuerzos cumplidos por los Comités de Vigilancia Ciudadana respecto de los congresistas electos por los departamentos de Arequipa, Cuzco, Huancavelica, Loreto y Ayacucho. La elecci
...
n del Congreso, como objeto de vigilancia, no es, por cierto, arbitraria. Responde a una necesidad universal de reonciliación entre el pueblo y sus órganos representativos que, con la video política, han ido perdiendo presencia y paulatinamente, también legitimidad. Y ello afecta, de modo grave al sistema democrático que se asienta precisamente sobre la base de la representación y, desde luego, de los partidos. Lograr esa reconciliación pasa, sin duda, por una mayor eficiencia en la tarea parlamentaria pero también por una comunicación, directa e inmediata, entre representantes y representados y entre el pueblo y los órganos de intermediación política." (Cubierta del libro)
more
"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
...
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)
more
"The growth in electoral democracies presents many potential opportunities for human development. Yet in practice transitional and consolidating democracies often remain fragile and incomplete, lacking strong institutions essential for effective voice and accountability, including freedom of express
...
ion and widespread opportunities for civic engagement. What can be done to strengthen democratic development and, in particular what is the role of the media in this process? Part I suggests that the mass media will have a positive impact on good governance and human development if they function effectively as a watchdog holding the powerful to account and as a civic forum facilitating a diversity of voices in public debate. Yet in practice the press is often limited in these roles. Liberal theories have long stressed the importance of an independent fourth estate as a check on the abuse of power. The study theorizes that this is necessary but not sufficient, in particular media systems strengthen good governance and promote positive development outcomes most effectively under two conditions: (i) where there is an unfettered and independent free press, [...] Part II operationalizes this typology then compares media systems around the world. Part III examines the cross-national evidence for the impact of these patterns. The study confirms that media systems characterized by widespread mass access and by an independent press are most closely associated with systematic indicators of good governance and human development. In particular, nations with these types of media system experience less corruption, greater administrative efficiency, higher political stability, and more effective rule of law, as well as better development outcomes such as higher per capita income, greater literacy, less economic inequality, lower infant mortality rates, and greater public spending on health. Part IV provides detailed case studies illustrating this relationship in particular countries. The conclusion considers the policy implications, suggesting practical steps to strengthen the channels of mass communications in poorer societies lacking either widespread access or freedom of the press." (http://www.escuelapnud.org)
more
"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
...
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)
more
"This report analyzes the ways in which civil society and the media contribute to establish more accountable governments in the region. The report is organized around two main sections: section I provides a general overview of the trends and changes that affected the development of Latin American so
...
cieties and the media in the past decade. More specifically, it will concentrate on the appearance of two actors that greatly contributed to shape the agenda of accountability in the region: a regional network of civic associations and movements organized around demands for due process and a new form of investigative or watchdog journalism. The section describes both the types of actors involved in a politics of accountability and the main issues they have addressed. Section II concentrates on the workings and achievements of this politics of accountability. It analyzes the methods and strategies employed to make public officials accountable and on some of their accomplishments." (Page 1)
more
"The first version of this Source Book (now translated into over 20 languages) argued the case for a “National Integrity System”, an holistic approach to transparency and accountability and embracing a range of accountability “pillars”, democratic, judicial, media and civil society. The expr
...
ession has since passed into common usage in development circles, and the argument for an holistic approach to anti-corruption efforts has similarly achieved a widespread consensus. But anti-corruption success stories remain largely elusive. In part the answers will lie with civil society. If activists remain active, inventive, determined and decisive, the issue can be kept at the forefront of national and international attention even after the battle may appear to have been won. For the potentially corrupt will always be with us, and even those whose National Integrity Systems seem to be in reasonably good shape can find themselves grappling with the unexpected as the determined exploit whatever gaps they can find. The fight against corruption is not wholly a moral one, in the sense that it is a struggle against the intrinsic “evil” of corruption. Certainly there is a moral element – one which cuts across all major religions and societies throughout the world – but the compelling reason for the struggle is the suffering and deprivation corruption brings to whole societies, and to the world’s most poor. It is concern for the latter, rather than a distaste for the corrupt and their deeds, that rightly drives the global movement against corruption." (Page 2)
more