Democracy and Governance

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Women's Right to Be Heard: An Evaluation of Oxfam GB's "Raising Her Voice" Portfolio

"RHV has ignited something in the women leaders - created motivation and inspiration that, for many, will continue after the formal interaction with the project and partners finishes. [They have] good relationships with the communities they represent - a strong social constituency which doesn’t depend on funds." - RHV Asia regional meeting...

Media and Information Literacy: Policy and Strategy Guidelines

"Affording citizens with MIL competencies contributes to free, independent and pluralistic media and information systems, thereby improving the quality of information they provide. While free media is perhaps taken for granted in the western world, more than a third of the world's population lives in countries where media and other...

PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival Awards

"The insight and creativity with which young people have produced videos on tough issues, such as racism, human trafficking and social marginalization, reflect the ingenuity youth bring to addressing today's most pressing social problems."

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Women's Right to Be Heard: An Evaluation of Oxfam GB's "Raising Her Voice" Portfolio

"RHV has ignited something in the women leaders - created motivation and inspiration that, for many, will continue after the formal interaction with the project and partners finishes. [They have] good relationships with the communities they represent - a strong social constituency which doesn’t depend on funds." - RHV Asia regional meeting...

Media and Information Literacy: Policy and Strategy Guidelines

"Affording citizens with MIL competencies contributes to free, independent and pluralistic media and information systems, thereby improving the quality of information they provide. While free media is perhaps taken for granted in the western world, more than a third of the world's population lives in countries where media and other...

PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival Awards

"The insight and creativity with which young people have produced videos on tough issues, such as racism, human trafficking and social marginalization, reflect the ingenuity youth bring to addressing today's most pressing social problems."

Envisioning outside-the-island-box

Author: Kris Rampersad, from Trinidad and Tobago, posted on her blog series Towards Constitution Reform: The Emperor’s New Tools on February 10 2014, cross-posted February 20 2014 The Constitution Reform Committee returns to the public with a package of reform measures it has amalgamated from discussions, recommendations...

Justice 2015: Appeal to the Member States of the United Nations

"Development targets should involve not just access to education, healthcare, clean water and other vital services, but also access to justice."

Narrowing the Gap between Citizens and Government in Nepal

This brief documents research on exposure and engagement of citizens of Nepal with BBC Media Action's Department for International Development (DFID)-funded governance project, comprising three media outputs:

Sachay Sawal: Connecting Citizens and Political Candidates in Pakistan 2013 General Elections

BBC Media Action's Sachay Sawal (True Questions) was a series of four electoral debates broadcast in Pakistan during the May 2013 general elections. "The debates were designed to create an opportunity for ordinary Pakistanis to question political candidates on key issues of concern. BBC Media Action research reflects the appetite of Pakistanis...

Thank You Mandela

Author Handel N. Mlilo, originally posted December 6 2013, cross-posted January 30 2014: I feel empty today with Nelson Mandela gone from us. All of us as human beings experience a time or actually several times when we know that a relative or friend is about to leave us but that when it actually happens, the...

The Last Gasp of Empire: Russia's Attempts to Control the Media in the Former Soviet Republics

This analysis from the Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) examines Russian aspirations to influence the news media in the former Soviet republics. As stated here: "The objective appears to be to manipulate their media environments in order to promote dependence on Russia and distrust of the West and to help Russia to pursue its...

The Madiba conscience - rest in peace Nelson Mandela

Author Kris Rampersad, excerpted from her blog of December 6 2013 (linked below), cross-posted January 30 2014: ...One less conscience to the world has gone at a time when we need more men and women of conscience. May his thoughts and actions that swayed our consciousness to recognise our humanism live on. Rest in...

News/Information

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Media and Information Literacy: Policy and Strategy Guidelines

"Affording citizens with MIL competencies contributes to free, independent and pluralistic media and information systems, thereby improving the quality of information they provide. While free media is perhaps taken for granted in the western world, more than a third of the world's population lives in countries where media and other...

Narrowing the Gap between Citizens and Government in Nepal

This brief documents research on exposure and engagement of citizens of Nepal with BBC Media Action's Department for International Development (DFID)-funded governance project, comprising three media outputs:

Fragile States in the Information Age

Date, time, and location:
Wednesday, January 22 2014, 6:30 PM - 8:15 PM
199 Lafayette Street Suite 3B, New York, NY, 10012 United States

"Media and technology have revolutionized our daily lives, giving more people greater access to information and knowledge. Technology and social media connect...

Local partnerships: a key to lasting change

Author: Caroline Sugg, January 10 2014 At BBC Media Action we’ve been talking a lot about sustainability and our commitment to supporting change that lasts beyond the lifetime of an individual project.

One of the best ways we can contribute to lasting change is by working with...

The Arab Spring in the winter sun

Author: Karen Wespieser, October 29 2013 If you mention Tunisia to most people in the UK, they'd probably think of two very different things: the country which sparked the Arab Spring after protests in December 2010 and a holiday destination for those eager for winter sun. On my visit to the country...

Citizen journalism: in pursuit of accountability in India

Author: Parul Agrawal, October 28 2013 In July this year, in a remote area of the central Indian state of Chattisgarh, a local farmer called Naresh Bunkar did something every one of us does every day: he made a phone call. But this was a call that had remarkable results.

Kenyan Parliament Passes Retrogressive Media Bills

Author: Noelina Nabwire, November 1 2013 October 31, 2013 was a sad day for the media in Kenya. The Kenyan Parliament passed draconian media bills that stifle media freedom and independence and violate the Kenyan Constitution. The passing of the Kenya Information and Communication Bill 2013 and the Media Council...

Sierra Leone after Charles Taylor

Alpha Kamara, October 14 2013 Since the beginning of Charles Taylor’s trial for aiding war crimes during Sierra Leone's civil war, BBC Media Action has supported Sierra Leonean journalists in their reporting of the International Criminal Court proceedings in The Hague. And as the former Liberian...

The Media in East Africa Is under Threat

Author: Noelina Nabwire, October 28 2013 As many African countries, including Kenya, celebrate their golden jubilee, recent trends have put the state of the continent’s democracy on the spotlight. In particular, current media trends in East Africa are worrying, and indeed, a threat to media freedom.

The Media Council Bill, 2013: An Enabler for a Free and Independent Media in Kenya?

Author: Noelina Nabwire, October 24 2013 That the media plays diverse roles is true. Amongst others, the media provides a forum upon which the citizenry engage amongst themselves and with their leaders; disseminates information; plays a public watch dog and is a key player in the democratic process. Thus, given...

Economic Development

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Nelson Mandela leaves a deep sense of loss at ITU

Author International Telecommunication Union (UTI)'s Sanjay Acharya, originally published December 6 2013, cross-posted on January 30 2014: Mandela, champion of downtrodden, wished to bridge digital divide...

Reflections on Nelson Mandela: An Indian lens

Author: Ranjani.K.Murthy, January 16 2014 The demise of Nelson Mandela makes one reflect on the relevance of Mandela’s beliefs and principles for one’s own country.

I come from India, a lower middle income country. Though the country has been growing economically over the last decade (albeit...

Mandela, Change, Development

Author: Shaka Bello, January 14 2014 It is true that the best way to determine the greatness of a leader is by the legacy he or she leaves behind. Since the demise of Nelson Mandela, I have been reflecting on some of the values and principles he espoused, which endeared him to whole world, and how they can be...

Millennium Development Goals and Human Rights

Author Rana Tassawar Ali, December 19 2013: Revising the framework of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that the entire world has adopted for improvement of the human condition of the world poor:

Post 2015 Development Agenda

Author: Tassawar Ali, September 5 2013 After the end of 2015, the MDGs [Millennium Development Goals] will be revised, and the world is looking into the post 2015 development agenda. So, a new development agenda will carry forward the spirit of a new millennium declaration and the best of the MDGs, with a...

Youth in Iran: A Story Half Told

"If we are to chart a global future that is fair, equitable and responsive to the needs and expectations of citizens across the world, it is imperative that policy-makers and decision-makers listen to the opinions of young people in emerging economies with large youth populations."

Media and Conflict: An Assessment of the Evidence

This Evidence Briefing paper from the Justice and Security Research Programme (JSRP) - a Department of International Development (DFID)-funded international research consortium based at the London School of Economics (LSE) and Political Science - summarises a systematic evidence review of literature on media and conflict that was conducted...

A New Global Partnership: Eradicate Poverty and Transform Economies through Sustainable Development

From the High Level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda, “A New Global Partnership: Eradicate Poverty and Transform Economies through Sustainable Development” sets out a universal agenda to eradicate extreme poverty from the face of the earth by 2030 and "deliver on the promise of sustainable development." The Panel was established by...

Communication at the Heart of Change - Video

"Poor and marginalised people need to have their voices heard, because change can happen when they're listened to."

According to this animated video from Panos London, information and communication play an essential role in development. The key message is that sustainable development demands that people participate in the...

The Global Conversation Begins: Emerging Views for a New Development Agenda

This United Nations (UN) document presents the first findings from the global conversation through which people have been invited to help Member States shape the post-Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) agenda after 2015. The report of initial findings identified three emerging priorities for the post-2015 agenda:

by Evaluation and Research

Beyond Technical Solutions: Critical Pathway in the Political Economy of Health Development in Northern Nigeria

This presentation outlines the goals and strategies of a Nigerian programme seeking to create behaviour change around maternal and child health using a political economy approach. Specifically, it explores a joint programme between: (i) the Partnership for Reviving Routine Immunization in Northern Nigeria (PRRINN), funded by United Kingdom's...

Digital

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Media and Information Literacy: Policy and Strategy Guidelines

"Affording citizens with MIL competencies contributes to free, independent and pluralistic media and information systems, thereby improving the quality of information they provide. While free media is perhaps taken for granted in the western world, more than a third of the world's population lives in countries where media and other...

The Last Gasp of Empire: Russia's Attempts to Control the Media in the Former Soviet Republics

This analysis from the Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) examines Russian aspirations to influence the news media in the former Soviet republics. As stated here: "The objective appears to be to manipulate their media environments in order to promote dependence on Russia and distrust of the West and to help Russia to pursue its...

Nelson Mandela leaves a deep sense of loss at ITU

Author International Telecommunication Union (UTI)'s Sanjay Acharya, originally published December 6 2013, cross-posted on January 30 2014: Mandela, champion of downtrodden, wished to bridge digital divide...

Internet Rights in Ecuador: the possible triumph of activists

Authors: Analia Lavin and Valeria Betancourt, originally posted on December 21 2013, cross posted on January 21 2014 The appearance of the "Free Internet” coalition was crucial in raising the alarm on one of the most controversial articles of the new criminal code, that would allow the monitoring of Internet...

Millennium Development Goals and Human Rights

Author Rana Tassawar Ali, December 19 2013: Revising the framework of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that the entire world has adopted for improvement of the human condition of the world poor:

Tajikistan's election: a milestone for social media debate

Author: Esfandiar Adena, November 5 2013 On 6 November, Tajikistan will elect its president. The run-up to the election has proved a milestone for social media networks in the country – with fierce political debate taking place online and opposition leaders using social networks to call for a...

The Arab Spring in the winter sun

Author: Karen Wespieser, October 29 2013 If you mention Tunisia to most people in the UK, they'd probably think of two very different things: the country which sparked the Arab Spring after protests in December 2010 and a holiday destination for those eager for winter sun. On my visit to the country...

Kenyan Parliament Passes Retrogressive Media Bills

Author: Noelina Nabwire, November 1 2013 October 31, 2013 was a sad day for the media in Kenya. The Kenyan Parliament passed draconian media bills that stifle media freedom and independence and violate the Kenyan Constitution. The passing of the Kenya Information and Communication Bill 2013 and the Media Council...

Sierra Leone after Charles Taylor

Alpha Kamara, October 14 2013 Since the beginning of Charles Taylor’s trial for aiding war crimes during Sierra Leone's civil war, BBC Media Action has supported Sierra Leonean journalists in their reporting of the International Criminal Court proceedings in The Hague. And as the former Liberian...

The Media in East Africa Is under Threat

Author: Noelina Nabwire, October 28 2013 As many African countries, including Kenya, celebrate their golden jubilee, recent trends have put the state of the continent’s democracy on the spotlight. In particular, current media trends in East Africa are worrying, and indeed, a threat to media freedom.

Strategic Thinking

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Media and Information Literacy: Policy and Strategy Guidelines

"Affording citizens with MIL competencies contributes to free, independent and pluralistic media and information systems, thereby improving the quality of information they provide. While free media is perhaps taken for granted in the western world, more than a third of the world's population lives in countries where media and other...

Justice 2015: Appeal to the Member States of the United Nations

"Development targets should involve not just access to education, healthcare, clean water and other vital services, but also access to justice."

Citizen Awareness and Voice in Burma's Reform Process

BBC Media Action is working in Burma, also known as Myanmar, to support improved governance, approaching public participation through media. This period in working with citizens and governance is unique in the country's history because it experienced a transfer of power from a military junta to a semi-civilian government in March 2011 that...

The Kenyan Election 2013: The Role of the Factual Discussion Programme Sema Kenya (Kenya Speaks)

"This paper seeks to identify the extent to which the national TV and radio programme Sema Kenya (Kenya Speaks), part of BBC Media Action’s governance work in Kenya, supported accountability, peace and inclusion at the time of the 2013 Kenya election. It shows the specific value placed on Sema Kenya by audiences and experts at election time."...

Fragile States: The Role of Media and Communication

What Value Does Social Media Add to Governance Programmes?

"Working in collaboration, students from the London School of Economics (LSE) Master of Public Administration (MPA) programme and BBC Media Action examined the value that social media brings to governance programming aimed at influencing engagement and civic participation."

Discovering the Libyan Youth Movement's Identity through Facebook

"This study’s authors used critical discourse analysis to empirically assess the identity of the Libyan Youth Movement [LYM] using 45 images posted on the group's Facebook page during the opening weeks of the Libyan revolution of 2011."

Vision 2025: Media Campaign for Democratic Participation

From the Democracy Campaign by the Indian newspaper organisation Patrika, this presentation describes the Vision 2025 campaign in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, India, concerned with monitoring the performance of the project "Public Representatives and People's Engagement in Democratic Process." The campaign covers 520 assembly...

The Media of Pakistan: Fostering Inclusion in a Fragile Democracy?

"...[M]edia's expanded gatekeeping function is its greatest contribution to Pakistan’s democratic transition."

Democracy, Governance and Randomised Media Assistance

"What constitutes good evidence is currently subject to intense debate within the international development community. There is particular interest in making greater use of experimental and quasi-experimental research methods to assess the effect and impact of development interventions."

Awards

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PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival Awards

"The insight and creativity with which young people have produced videos on tough issues, such as racism, human trafficking and social marginalization, reflect the ingenuity youth bring to addressing today's most pressing social problems."

Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders

The Martin Ennals Foundation invites individuals or organisations working in the field of human rights to submit nominations for the 2014 Martin Ennals Award (MEA) for Human Rights Defenders.

Yayori Award

The Women's Human Rights Activities Award or Yayori Award comes from the estate of Yayori Matsui, who was a journalist and activist with global perspectives and who consistently spoke up for women and marginalised people. This award, given by the Women's Fund for Peace and Human Rights, has been created for grassroots women activists,...

Print

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Media and Information Literacy: Policy and Strategy Guidelines

"Affording citizens with MIL competencies contributes to free, independent and pluralistic media and information systems, thereby improving the quality of information they provide. While free media is perhaps taken for granted in the western world, more than a third of the world's population lives in countries where media and other...

The Last Gasp of Empire: Russia's Attempts to Control the Media in the Former Soviet Republics

This analysis from the Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) examines Russian aspirations to influence the news media in the former Soviet republics. As stated here: "The objective appears to be to manipulate their media environments in order to promote dependence on Russia and distrust of the West and to help Russia to pursue its...

As Madiba leaves us: Tribute to Nelson Mandela

Author: Steve Kibble, originally posted December 6 2013, cross-posted January 13 2014 It must have been sometime in the '90s when Nelson Mandela addressed a massive crowd in Trafalgar Square from the balcony of South Africa House where many had demonstrated in previous years. "I would like to put you all in...

The Arab Spring in the winter sun

Author: Karen Wespieser, October 29 2013 If you mention Tunisia to most people in the UK, they'd probably think of two very different things: the country which sparked the Arab Spring after protests in December 2010 and a holiday destination for those eager for winter sun. On my visit to the country...

Kenyan Parliament Passes Retrogressive Media Bills

Author: Noelina Nabwire, November 1 2013 October 31, 2013 was a sad day for the media in Kenya. The Kenyan Parliament passed draconian media bills that stifle media freedom and independence and violate the Kenyan Constitution. The passing of the Kenya Information and Communication Bill 2013 and the Media Council...

The Media in East Africa Is under Threat

Author: Noelina Nabwire, October 28 2013 As many African countries, including Kenya, celebrate their golden jubilee, recent trends have put the state of the continent’s democracy on the spotlight. In particular, current media trends in East Africa are worrying, and indeed, a threat to media freedom.

The Media Council Bill, 2013: An Enabler for a Free and Independent Media in Kenya?

Author: Noelina Nabwire, October 24 2013 That the media plays diverse roles is true. Amongst others, the media provides a forum upon which the citizenry engage amongst themselves and with their leaders; disseminates information; plays a public watch dog and is a key player in the democratic process. Thus, given...

Citizen Awareness and Voice in Burma's Reform Process

BBC Media Action is working in Burma, also known as Myanmar, to support improved governance, approaching public participation through media. This period in working with citizens and governance is unique in the country's history because it experienced a transfer of power from a military junta to a semi-civilian government in March 2011 that...

Fragile States: The Role of Media and Communication

What Value Does Social Media Add to Governance Programmes?

"Working in collaboration, students from the London School of Economics (LSE) Master of Public Administration (MPA) programme and BBC Media Action examined the value that social media brings to governance programming aimed at influencing engagement and civic participation."

Radio

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Media and Information Literacy: Policy and Strategy Guidelines

"Affording citizens with MIL competencies contributes to free, independent and pluralistic media and information systems, thereby improving the quality of information they provide. While free media is perhaps taken for granted in the western world, more than a third of the world's population lives in countries where media and other...

Narrowing the Gap between Citizens and Government in Nepal

This brief documents research on exposure and engagement of citizens of Nepal with BBC Media Action's Department for International Development (DFID)-funded governance project, comprising three media outputs:

Sachay Sawal: Connecting Citizens and Political Candidates in Pakistan 2013 General Elections

BBC Media Action's Sachay Sawal (True Questions) was a series of four electoral debates broadcast in Pakistan during the May 2013 general elections. "The debates were designed to create an opportunity for ordinary Pakistanis to question political candidates on key issues of concern. BBC Media Action research reflects the appetite of Pakistanis...

The Last Gasp of Empire: Russia's Attempts to Control the Media in the Former Soviet Republics

This analysis from the Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) examines Russian aspirations to influence the news media in the former Soviet republics. As stated here: "The objective appears to be to manipulate their media environments in order to promote dependence on Russia and distrust of the West and to help Russia to pursue its...

Local partnerships: a key to lasting change

Author: Caroline Sugg, January 10 2014 At BBC Media Action we’ve been talking a lot about sustainability and our commitment to supporting change that lasts beyond the lifetime of an individual project.

One of the best ways we can contribute to lasting change is by working with...

The Arab Spring in the winter sun

Author: Karen Wespieser, October 29 2013 If you mention Tunisia to most people in the UK, they'd probably think of two very different things: the country which sparked the Arab Spring after protests in December 2010 and a holiday destination for those eager for winter sun. On my visit to the country...

Kenyan Parliament Passes Retrogressive Media Bills

Author: Noelina Nabwire, November 1 2013 October 31, 2013 was a sad day for the media in Kenya. The Kenyan Parliament passed draconian media bills that stifle media freedom and independence and violate the Kenyan Constitution. The passing of the Kenya Information and Communication Bill 2013 and the Media Council...

Sierra Leone after Charles Taylor

Alpha Kamara, October 14 2013 Since the beginning of Charles Taylor’s trial for aiding war crimes during Sierra Leone's civil war, BBC Media Action has supported Sierra Leonean journalists in their reporting of the International Criminal Court proceedings in The Hague. And as the former Liberian...

The Media in East Africa Is under Threat

Author: Noelina Nabwire, October 28 2013 As many African countries, including Kenya, celebrate their golden jubilee, recent trends have put the state of the continent’s democracy on the spotlight. In particular, current media trends in East Africa are worrying, and indeed, a threat to media freedom.

The Media Council Bill, 2013: An Enabler for a Free and Independent Media in Kenya?

Author: Noelina Nabwire, October 24 2013 That the media plays diverse roles is true. Amongst others, the media provides a forum upon which the citizenry engage amongst themselves and with their leaders; disseminates information; plays a public watch dog and is a key player in the democratic process. Thus, given...

Television

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Media and Information Literacy: Policy and Strategy Guidelines

"Affording citizens with MIL competencies contributes to free, independent and pluralistic media and information systems, thereby improving the quality of information they provide. While free media is perhaps taken for granted in the western world, more than a third of the world's population lives in countries where media and other...

Narrowing the Gap between Citizens and Government in Nepal

This brief documents research on exposure and engagement of citizens of Nepal with BBC Media Action's Department for International Development (DFID)-funded governance project, comprising three media outputs:

Sachay Sawal: Connecting Citizens and Political Candidates in Pakistan 2013 General Elections

BBC Media Action's Sachay Sawal (True Questions) was a series of four electoral debates broadcast in Pakistan during the May 2013 general elections. "The debates were designed to create an opportunity for ordinary Pakistanis to question political candidates on key issues of concern. BBC Media Action research reflects the appetite of Pakistanis...

Thank You Mandela

Author Handel N. Mlilo, originally posted December 6 2013, cross-posted January 30 2014: I feel empty today with Nelson Mandela gone from us. All of us as human beings experience a time or actually several times when we know that a relative or friend is about to leave us but that when it actually happens, the...

The Last Gasp of Empire: Russia's Attempts to Control the Media in the Former Soviet Republics

This analysis from the Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) examines Russian aspirations to influence the news media in the former Soviet republics. As stated here: "The objective appears to be to manipulate their media environments in order to promote dependence on Russia and distrust of the West and to help Russia to pursue its...

Local partnerships: a key to lasting change

Author: Caroline Sugg, January 10 2014 At BBC Media Action we’ve been talking a lot about sustainability and our commitment to supporting change that lasts beyond the lifetime of an individual project.

One of the best ways we can contribute to lasting change is by working with...

Speaking the same language?

Author Jackie Christie, December 13 2013: With more than 50 episodes under our belt, the team on Kenya’s TV and radio debate show Sema Kenya (Kenya Speaks) has the show’s many production tasks down to a fine art. But that doesn’t mean it’s always smooth sailing. Take, for example, the process of inviting...

The Arab Spring in the winter sun

Author: Karen Wespieser, October 29 2013 If you mention Tunisia to most people in the UK, they'd probably think of two very different things: the country which sparked the Arab Spring after protests in December 2010 and a holiday destination for those eager for winter sun. On my visit to the country...

Kenyan Parliament Passes Retrogressive Media Bills

Author: Noelina Nabwire, November 1 2013 October 31, 2013 was a sad day for the media in Kenya. The Kenyan Parliament passed draconian media bills that stifle media freedom and independence and violate the Kenyan Constitution. The passing of the Kenya Information and Communication Bill 2013 and the Media Council...

Sierra Leone after Charles Taylor

Alpha Kamara, October 14 2013 Since the beginning of Charles Taylor’s trial for aiding war crimes during Sierra Leone's civil war, BBC Media Action has supported Sierra Leonean journalists in their reporting of the International Criminal Court proceedings in The Hague. And as the former Liberian...

News Media

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Narrowing the Gap between Citizens and Government in Nepal

This brief documents research on exposure and engagement of citizens of Nepal with BBC Media Action's Department for International Development (DFID)-funded governance project, comprising three media outputs:

Sachay Sawal: Connecting Citizens and Political Candidates in Pakistan 2013 General Elections

BBC Media Action's Sachay Sawal (True Questions) was a series of four electoral debates broadcast in Pakistan during the May 2013 general elections. "The debates were designed to create an opportunity for ordinary Pakistanis to question political candidates on key issues of concern. BBC Media Action research reflects the appetite of Pakistanis...

The Last Gasp of Empire: Russia's Attempts to Control the Media in the Former Soviet Republics

This analysis from the Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) examines Russian aspirations to influence the news media in the former Soviet republics. As stated here: "The objective appears to be to manipulate their media environments in order to promote dependence on Russia and distrust of the West and to help Russia to pursue its...

Fragile States in the Information Age

Date, time, and location:
Wednesday, January 22 2014, 6:30 PM - 8:15 PM
199 Lafayette Street Suite 3B, New York, NY, 10012 United States

"Media and technology have revolutionized our daily lives, giving more people greater access to information and knowledge. Technology and social media connect...

Local partnerships: a key to lasting change

Author: Caroline Sugg, January 10 2014 At BBC Media Action we’ve been talking a lot about sustainability and our commitment to supporting change that lasts beyond the lifetime of an individual project.

One of the best ways we can contribute to lasting change is by working with...

Speaking the same language?

Author Jackie Christie, December 13 2013: With more than 50 episodes under our belt, the team on Kenya’s TV and radio debate show Sema Kenya (Kenya Speaks) has the show’s many production tasks down to a fine art. But that doesn’t mean it’s always smooth sailing. Take, for example, the process of inviting...

Portrait of Nelson Mandela taken during his 91st birthday

67 minutes for Madiba

Author Shahidul Alam links to his musings from Dhaka, Bangladesh, written July 18 2009 and linked here on December 10 2013, as a tribute to Nelson Mandela: "You built the road to freedom. We need the courage to walk it..." In 67 Minutes for Madiba, accessible through the link below, he describes his photo assignments as opportunities...

The Arab Spring in the winter sun

Author: Karen Wespieser, October 29 2013 If you mention Tunisia to most people in the UK, they'd probably think of two very different things: the country which sparked the Arab Spring after protests in December 2010 and a holiday destination for those eager for winter sun. On my visit to the country...

Citizen journalism: in pursuit of accountability in India

Author: Parul Agrawal, October 28 2013 In July this year, in a remote area of the central Indian state of Chattisgarh, a local farmer called Naresh Bunkar did something every one of us does every day: he made a phone call. But this was a call that had remarkable results.

Kenyan Parliament Passes Retrogressive Media Bills

Author: Noelina Nabwire, November 1 2013 October 31, 2013 was a sad day for the media in Kenya. The Kenyan Parliament passed draconian media bills that stifle media freedom and independence and violate the Kenyan Constitution. The passing of the Kenya Information and Communication Bill 2013 and the Media Council...