The media in governance
a guide to assistance ; developing free and effective media to serve the interests of the poor

"The media can be a major force for improving the quality of government in developing and transitional countries – which is critical if opportunities for the poor and disadvantaged are also to improve. To fulfil this role the media need room to manoeuvre – tight government regulation and censorship produce media which are ineffective and lacking in credibility. Too little regulation, on the other hand, may lead to the domination of commercial media ruled by advertising, to the detriment of serious content and of the interests of those without purchasing power – i.e. the poor. What is needed are policies that impose responsibilities as well as freedoms on the commercial sector, and that clarify and facilitate the role of the public service media. Effective media also need good management, and good professional and technical skills. The main purpose of this Guide is to help governments and development agencies to decide whether to support the development of the media, and if so how." [Information des Anbieters]