Luncheon Presentation

from the Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) website:

"In post-conflict societies, organizations such as Search for Common Ground and the U.S. Institute for Peace argue that an effective media development strategy is an integral part of creating an atmosphere where democratic processes can develop. The development of a pluralistic, independent, and economically viable media sector is critical to fostering long-term peace and stability. In war-torn environments, however, many citizens maintain a deep skepticism and distrust of the media, which are often tightly controlled by political or military elites promoting their own agendas. Thus, as these organizations note, it is also crucial for citizens to have a voice in determining a new future for themselves, their communities, and their country. Transforming relationships between citizens and their governments through the use of innovative media initiatives ensures that a dialogue emerges for stakeholders to express their ideas as both consumers and producers of information. How do development experts and governance advisors approach media assistance strategies in post-conflict societies? Do they engage citizens in the process of building trustworthy, independent media institutions and communication spaces? If not, how can they build citizen participation into democracy assistance and media development strategies without being considered a threat by the government? What challenges do they face in creating an institution that citizens trust and view as a credible source of information?

The speakers examined these questions and addressed how a comprehensive media development strategy that includes citizen participation is an essential part of peace-building efforts in post-conflict environments. Search for Common Ground's Deborah Jones explored how the use of fictional television series created by local artists opens up a safe social space, particularly when dealing with controversial subjects like human rights, religion, and governance. Theo Dolan of the U.S. Institute for Peace addressed engaging youth in peace-building efforts through new media. Mark Koenig reflected on his experiences as an independent media development advisor to democracy and governance programs since 1997. As moderator, Shanthi Kalathil provided her perspective on possible new models that prioritize communication's role in governance and peacebuilding in post-conflict and fragile states."

Center for International Media Assistance at the National Endowment for Democracy, April 7 2009 and June 17 2009.