Hot Topic - Media Development

Online Media Makes Its Point About Independence - November 2, 2022
Discord in Central Asian countries has risen measurably. Some observers point to the arrival of Taliban extremists in neighboring Afghanistan last year. Others note tensions mounting after the Russian Federation military invaded Ukraine. All see sour economics playing a role in civil unhappiness. Authorities in these countries, mostly, have fallen back on the usual means for keeping things quiet: repression.

Early Development Focused On Radio Broadcasting - August 8, 2022
After Taliban extremists were expelled from Afghanistan in late 2001, international aid agencies planned ambitious infrastructure projects. Effective communication with the population was given priority. Due to high illiteracy rates, particularly in rural areas, radio broadcasting was deemed the "dominant medium of mass information." Plans for radio development quickly took form, intended as short-term compliments to democratic "transition," a politically popular notion but contentious in practice.

Aid Disappears, Local Media Closes Down - July 31, 2022
Unique in the media world are local outlets. These broadcasters and publishers connect people on a real level. National media are great, generally, for big subjects and comprehensive reporting as well as fit-for-purpose entertainment. On the other side, social media is good for fluff and distraction. Local media is at highest risk.

Extremists Show True Color: Dark - May 23, 2022
Several well-known international agencies monitor the status of media workers. From Reporters sans Frontieres (RSF) and Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) to International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and others these groups mind the realm, some quite activist. Considering relentless efforts by despots and dictators to control or even stamp out the free flow of information they provide valuable resources to the public and lawmakers. There are, however, limits to their effectiveness.

Reporters Never Forget And Always Get The Last Word - March 7, 2022
Reliable, important news agencies and outlets began removing themselves last week from the Russian Federation. By the weekend, the sprinkle had become a deluge. The exits were explained by almost all as necessary to avoid the siege of laws threatening the flow of information. Through the history of journalism attempts to thwart the collection and dissemination of needed information have, eventually, failed. This is no different.

Media Development: Best Intentions Blinded By Forces Unrecognized - February 7, 2022
Populations emerging from repression and conflict have benefited greatly from media development efforts. Updating broadcast and publishing output, sometimes just getting them started, measurably improves civic discourse. At the same time these programs can irritate if not antagonize certain authoritarian elements preferring their own communication, or even darkness.

Tensions High, Another Mob Strikes News Media - July 21, 2021
Endless tensions are a reporting thread common across the world. There is climate change and destructive weather. There is tension from the continuing coronavirus pandemic. Dictators cause tensions, relish in the disruption and reward their stampeding mobs. Yoga is the answer.