"The principal functions of a national communication policy council would include:(l) (a) to promote coherent, national and comprehensive analyses of existing policies and controls and of national communication objectives; to identify the rights, interests, obligations and interdependence of various communication institutions within society; to enhance greater efficiency in the application and expenditures of frequently limited economic and physical resources by setting priorities and reducing internal contradictions; to safeguard the rights and interests ofvarious sectors involved in communication enterprises by providing a forum for continuous discussion and clarification; to provide the framework for anticipating changes in media technology, assessing their value for promoting national and international goals, and revealing their harmful effects; to perform a "look out" function to foresee technological innovations on the international scene which may be important, as "quantum jumps" in national communication planning; (e) to identify important international communication policy issues which are constraints on national policy; (f) to ensure national compatibility with international norms and standards: (g) to enable the nation to speak consistently and coherently at international discussions of communication matters, and to recommend appropriate diplomatic action on questions involving international communication." (Introduction, page 9)
1 General introduction, 7
2 Public participation. the challenge facing the new communication council (Brazil), 12
3 Roles and functions of a communication policy council (Finland), 18
4 General principles. different experiences and concluding remarks, 27