The Media in Transitional Democracies

The last quarter of a century has seen an unprecedented wave ofdemocratization around the globe. In these transitions fromauthoritarian rule to a more democratic order, the media haveplayed a key role both by facilitating, but frequently alsoinhibiting, democratic practices to take root. This book providesan accessible and systematic introduction to the media intransitional democracies. It analyses the problems that occur whentransforming the media into independent institutions that are ableto inform citizens and hold governments to account. The book coversthe 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 emergingdemocracies;
* the interlocking power of media markets and politicalownership;
* the challenges to journalistic professionalism inpost-authoritarian contexts;
* the role of the media in divided societies;
The book takes a global view by exploring the interplay ofpolitical and media transitions in different pathways ofdemocratization that have taken place in Eastern Europe, LatinAmerica, Africa and Asia. It will be of interest to advancedstudents and scholars who want a better understanding of the mediaoutside established Western democracies. The book will also be ofgreat value to policymakers and activists who are involved instrengthening the media in transitional democracies.