Governance and regulation, access to information and media viability from edX

The course's foundation is an overview of the principles of freedom of expression and access to information and how these apply to media and online freedoms.

The course addresses the contemporary legacies of colonial and neo-colonial control of communications for political repression, while also showing how civil society engagement can achieve change. Participants will learn how policy and law operate, both nationally and internationally, and how civil society can use formal and informal channels to make an impact.

It gives special attention to the regulation of media, the internet and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as issues of access to information (and data), the challenge of the economic viability of media and strategic issues in campaigning for change.

It is highly recommended that participants take the first course in the Professional Certificate in Media and Digital Policy in Africa before embarking on this second course.

edX extends a compassionate gesture to learners who can exemplify that meeting the financial obligation for the verified certificate fee would entail a significant economic burden. Should you aspire to cover the fees associated with obtaining your professional certificate, we encourage you to explore the option of securing financial assistance from edX. If you wish to initiate this process, click here.

What you'll learn

Free expression, access to information and media freedom:

Freedom of expression as a two-sided right.
A tool to check whether restrictions on freedom of expression are justifiable.
The interrelation of international agreements and national law.

Media independence, safety, pluralism and diversity:

Criteria for the independence of media.
Standards of professional journalism.
Safety of journalists and media.
Pluralism and diversity in the media.
Different types of media.
Gender diversity in the media.

The internet and freedom of expression

Universal access to the internet.
Government interference with internet access.
Surveillance and cybercrime legislation.
The challenge of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Disinformation and how to combat it.
How to protect the integrity of online expression.

Effective civil society engagement in support of democratic media policy:

The role of civil society.
Formal and informal channels of civil society engagement.
Getting a handle on law reform.
Civil society may be undermined.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores freedom of expression and access to information as two-sided rights

Examines different types of media and their impact on society

Discusses the challenges and opportunities of the internet for freedom of expression

Develops skills for civil society engagement in support of democratic media policy

Teaches how to use formal and informal channels of civil society engagement

Emphasizes the importance of diversity and pluralism in the media

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Governance and regulation, access to information and media viability with these activities:

Review constitutional law

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Consolidate prior knowledge of constitutional law concepts to build upon during the course.

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Examine notes and study materials from previous constitutional law coursework
Complete practice questions related to constitutional law principles

Compile a list of resources on media and digital policy in Africa

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Gather and organize resources for ongoing reference and future exploration.

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Search for reputable organizations, articles, and reports related to media and digital policy in Africa
Create a categorized list of the resources, including links, titles, and brief descriptions
Organize the resources in a logical and accessible manner

Read 'Freedom of Speech' by Geoffrey Stone

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Gain insights from a respected scholar on the fundamental principles of freedom of speech.

View The First Amendment on Amazon

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Read and take notes on the book's key arguments and concepts
Consider the implications of the book's arguments for contemporary media and digital policy issues

Five other activities

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Analyze case studies on media freedom

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Critically analyze case studies to understand the complexities of media freedom.

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Read and analyze case studies provided by the instructor or gathered from reputable sources
Identify key legal and ethical issues raised in each case study
Discuss and compare the different perspectives and outcomes in the case studies
Apply the principles and concepts learned from the case studies to real-world media situations

Draft an essay on a First Amendment topic

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Write an in-depth analysis of a specific First Amendment issue to refine understanding.

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Select a specific First Amendment topic for analysis
Conduct thorough research on relevant case law and scholarly articles
Organize and outline the essay, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
Write a draft of the essay, ensuring clear and concise language and proper citations

Seek mentorship from a professional in media or law

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Connect with erfahren professionals for guidance and support in the field.

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Network at industry events or through professional organizations
Reach out to individuals whose work you admire and inquire about mentorship opportunities
Establish regular communication and seek advice on career development, industry trends, and professional growth

Develop a social media campaign to promote media literacy

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Apply practical skills to raise awareness and foster critical thinking about media.

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Identify target audience and define campaign goals
Create engaging and informative content for various social media platforms
Monitor and evaluate the campaign's reach and impact

Participate in a media law or policy competition

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Test and showcase knowledge and skills in a competitive environment.

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Research and identify suitable competitions
Prepare and submit a proposal or entry
Participate in the competition and engage with other participants

Career center

Learners who complete Governance and regulation, access to information and media viability will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Media Lawyer

Media lawyers specialize in representing clients in cases involving freedom of speech, defamation, and other media-related legal issues. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the legal framework surrounding freedom of expression, which can be invaluable in your work as a media lawyer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Media Lawyer

Journalist

Journalists regularly leverage their understanding of freedom of expression and access to information laws to keep the public informed about important issues. This course will help you build a foundation in these principles, which can help you succeed in your career as a journalist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Policy Analyst

Policy analysts research and analyze public policy issues, and often make recommendations for changes to policy. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the policy landscape surrounding freedom of expression and access to information, which can be helpful in your work as a policy analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Communications Manager

Communications managers oversee all aspects of an organization's communications, including public relations, media relations, and social media. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the media landscape, including the legal and ethical issues surrounding freedom of expression. This knowledge can be invaluable in your work as a communications manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Communications Manager

Media Consultant

Media consultants help organizations develop and implement media strategies. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the media landscape, including the legal and ethical issues surrounding freedom of expression. This knowledge can be invaluable in your work as a media consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Media Consultant

Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists manage the public image of organizations and individuals. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of freedom of expression and access to information, which can help you to effectively communicate with the public on behalf of your clients.

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Content Creator

Content creators develop and produce content for a variety of platforms, including websites, blogs, and social media. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of freedom of expression and access to information, which can help you to create content that is both informative and engaging.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator

Digital Marketing Manager

Digital marketing managers are responsible for developing and implementing digital marketing campaigns. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the legal and ethical issues surrounding freedom of expression online, which can help you to create effective digital marketing campaigns that comply with the law.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Marketing Manager

Social Media Manager

Social media managers are responsible for managing an organization's social media presence. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the legal and ethical issues surrounding freedom of expression online, which can help you to effectively manage your organization's social media accounts.

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Data Analyst

Data analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of freedom of expression and access to information, which can help you to ensure that your data analysis is accurate and unbiased.

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Web Developer

Web developers design and develop websites and web applications. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the legal and ethical issues surrounding freedom of expression online, which can help you to develop websites and web applications that comply with the law.

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Information Technology (IT) Manager

IT managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing an organization's IT systems. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the legal and ethical issues surrounding freedom of expression and access to information, which can help you to manage your organization's IT systems in a way that complies with the law.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology (IT) Manager

Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of freedom of expression and access to information, which can help you to ensure that your library provides access to a wide range of information resources.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Archivist

Archivists preserve and manage historical records. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the legal and ethical issues surrounding access to information, which can help you to ensure that historical records are preserved and accessible to the public.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of freedom of expression and access to information, which can help you to teach your students about these important topics.

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