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Governance and regulation, access to information and media viability

Guy Berger, Hendrik Bussiek, and Franz Krüger

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.

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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

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Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Governance and regulation, access to information and media viability. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Governance and regulation, access to information and media viability.
Provides a comprehensive overview of media and communication policy from a global perspective. It discusses the different approaches to media policy that have been adopted by different countries, and the challenges that remain in ensuring that the media is independent and accountable.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between media, technology, and society. It discusses the different ways in which media and technology have shaped each other, and the challenges that arise from the convergence of these two spheres.
Provides a comprehensive overview of media and communication research. It discusses the different theories and methods that are used in media and communication research, and the challenges that researchers face in the digital age.
Provides a historical overview of the development of the liberal press in the United States. It discusses the challenges facing the press today, such as the rise of fake news and the decline of trust in the media.
Examines the role of the Internet in Chinese civil society. It discusses how the Internet has been used to promote social and political change, and the challenges that remain for online activism in China.
This comparative study examines the legal and institutional frameworks for access to information in different countries around the world. It provides a detailed overview of the challenges and best practices in promoting transparency and accountability.
Explores the concept of the digital public sphere. It discusses how the Internet can be used to facilitate democratic dialogue and participation, and the challenges that remain in ensuring that the digital public sphere is inclusive and accessible to all.
Explores the economic and policy challenges facing the media industry in the digital age. It offers insights into the business models, regulatory frameworks, and audience engagement strategies that are essential for sustainable media.
Presents a philosophical and legal analysis of freedom of expression. It explores the different justifications for free speech and the limits that can be imposed on it.
Provides a critical analysis of the relationship between media and society. It examines the role of media in shaping public opinion, the impact of media ownership on content, and the challenges to media freedom.
Explores the political economy of global media governance. It analyzes the role of international organizations, corporations, and states in shaping the global media landscape.
Explores the challenges and opportunities facing journalism in the digital age. It discusses the impact of social media, fake news, and the changing business models of news organizations.
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Provides a comparative analysis of media regulation in different countries. It examines the different approaches to media ownership, content regulation, and the role of public service media.

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