The Media in Transitional Democracies (PDF)

The last quarter of a century has seen an unprecedented wave of
democratization around the globe. In these transitions from
authoritarian rule to a more democratic order, the media have
played a key role both by facilitating, but frequently also
inhibiting, democratic practices to take root. This book provides
an accessible and systematic introduction to the media in
transitional democracies. It analyses the problems that occur when
transforming the media into independent institutions that are able
to inform citizens and hold governments to account. The book covers
the following topics:

* normative conceptions of media and democracy;

* the role of the past in the transition process;

* the internet as a new space for democratic change;

* the persistence of political interference in emerging
democracies;

* the interlocking power of media markets and political
ownership;

* the challenges to journalistic professionalism in
post-authoritarian contexts;

* the role of the media in divided societies;

The book takes a global view by exploring the interplay of
political and media transitions in different pathways of
democratization that have taken place in Eastern Europe, Latin
America, Africa and Asia. It will be of interest to advanced
students and scholars who want a better understanding of the media
outside established Western democracies. The book will also be of
great value to policymakers and activists who are involved in
strengthening the media in transitional democracies.