Internews - Empowering Local Media Worldwide

If you are interested in finding out more about the importance of local media in development check out Internews (http://www.internews.org).

Internews is an international non-governmental organization that aims to strengthen local media so that people can access information and have their voices heard. Internews runs programs that build the capacity of communities to sustain their own information systems.

The organization trains local residents in media coverage and reporting, supports the production of independent media in emerging democracies, provides equipment and advocates for fair media laws. They use journalism to influence health and environmental policies, to encourage women's leadership and mainstream women's issues into media, and to improve access to information, governance and transparency.

Internews has started a humanitarian news service in Gaza that supports three news stations. In response to the recent attacks, these stations have informed victims about relief services and reconstruction activities in time for them to get appropriate care.

The news channels host discussions about how international projects and their partners aid the reconstruction process. They also provide information and education about health services, security, water and sanitation issues.

For many people in Gaza, the information provided by the news services have helped them live through the crisis, providing them with pertinent information that otherwise might not have been accessible quickly enough, if at all. clearly information does save lives.

link to the news brief http://www.internews.org/prs/2009/20090407_gaza.shtm

Participatory Media and Good Governance

Thai Protests Reveal Deep Divisions - http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/15/world/asia/15bangkok.html?emc=eta1

Since the military coup in 2006, Thailand has gone through three Prime Ministers. Protesters have gotten progressively more charged since the coup, and the most violent one yet ended on Tuesday Morning.

Civil unrest in Thailand is divided among the People's Alliance for Democracy (royalists and military supporters) and the Red Shirts (farmers, small business men and supporters of PM Thaksin). Although there is opposition between these two groups, in the end, most Thais simply want a functioning democracy and a restoration of fair elections. The Thai media has been accused of being biased towards the government, and the government has a tight grip on the media, often limiting exposure of the Red Shirts.

This conflict is an example of the importance of free and transparent media in democracy. The Thais protest to be heard and to highlight the ways in which their government thwarts democracy. They protest because they feel cut off from the decisions that affect them.

Participatory media (the involvement of citizens) is an essential part of the equation for good governance and thus a functioning, progressive society. Free media holds governments accountable for their actions and unveils corruption. As a government gains tighter control on the media, however, citizens find fewer channels for their voices to be heard and to challenge discriminatory policies. This is why free and transparent media is so important, to prevent the loss of these channels and to strengthen democracy.

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