Media Reform amid Political Upheaval: Lessons from Burma, Ethiopia, Sudan, Tunisia, and Ukraine
Countries experiencing political upheaval often embark on media sector reform, but many efforts fall short in their implentation. By analyzing historical and ongoing case studies of countries in transition—Burma, Ethiopia, Sudan, Tunisia, and Ukraine—key lessons emerge about catalyzing momentum for a grassroots, demand-driven media reform vision even in the most volatile countries.
The Rise of Internet Throttling: A Hidden Threat to Media Development
An increasing number of governments around the world are forcing internet service providers to slow their services during critical sociopolitical junctures—a practice known as throttling—infringing on citizens’ right to information and freedom of expression.
China’s New Media Dilemma: The Profit in Online Dissent
Some would argue that the Chinese Communist Party has successfully reinvented authoritarian communication for the 21st century, combining both Orwellian and Huxleyean features of surveillance and thought control. Yet, a closer look reveals some cracks in what otherwise appears to be an unassailable system of control.
Big Data, Not Big Brother: New Data Protection Laws and the Implications for Independent Media Around the World
For years, the road to news media financial sustainability was said to be paved with data—digital news outlets were counseled to collect as many details about their readers as possible in order to deliver more relevant content as well as to support more lucrative, targeted advertising. Yet, more recently, citizens and policymakers alike have grown concerned about the pervasive tracking of web users.
