Research publication and CD-ROM on editorial independence and the media in Asia now available

Asia has witnessed a profound transformation of its media landscape since the mid-1980s when deregulation of state television monopolies resulted in a dramatic growth in commercial television outlets. In this commercial environment, it is imperative to find ways in which the media can remain accountable and transparent and continue to promote and protect the public interest. This is why public service television should be strengthened to ensure that freedom of thought and expression, pluralism and accountability are protected.

Within the framework of the International Program for the Development of Communication (IPDC) project entitled, "Promoting Editorial Independence and media pluralism", country specific research was carried out in eight South and Southeast Asia states, namely, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The main objective was to assess the editorial independence of public service broadcasting (PSB) television in these countries and to sensitize media and advocacy groups on media freedom. >> Download the Research Publication

A CD-ROM package of all 8 country reports is now available, and is expected to be a valuable resource for PSB institutions, television trainers, civil society groups dealing with media freedom and cultural diversity issues, and tertiary institutions as a “classroom” and advocacy resource. This is soon to be available on the Asian Media Information and Communication Centre (AMIC) website.

AMIC has been contracted by UNESCO to undertake four important research projects, covering public service broadcasting, alternative media, the media’s role (or lack of it) in the tsunami reconstruction process, and journalism education.