The Media in Transitional Democracies
CPC - Contemporary Political Communication
1. Auflage April 2013
204 Seiten, Hardcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
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.
Detailed table of contents
Introduction
PART I:WHAT DEMOCRACY - WHAT MEDIA?
1 Democracy and democratisation: one idea, many roads
2 Democratic media: a question of means and ends
PART II:THE MEDIA AND POLITICAL CHANGE ACROSS TIME AND SPACE
3 Mass media and political change: technological structure and journalistic agency
4 Complex transitions and uncertain outcomes: the media and democratisation over time
5 Emerging media systems and the legacies of the past
PART III:TRANSFORMING THE MEDIA
6 Media and the state
7 Media markets
8 Political parallelism
9 Journalistic professionalism
Conclusion
Endnotes
Bibliography
Index
"Voltmer's comprehensive book skillfully integrates key concepts
from media studies, journalism studies, and political science to
illustrate the roles of various forms of media in different types
of post-authoritarian democracies. Highly recommended"
Choice
"Voltmer offers the most comprehensive analysis of the media and
political transitions that I have encountered"
Democratisation
"The scope of Voltmer s book is astonishing it
resembles an ocean where geographic magnitude meets with broad and
fundamental themes. Voltmer navigates quite elegantly in this space
posing remarkably clear questions and logical examples"
European Journal of Communication
'Voltmer has added a superb volume to the literature on democracies
in transition: well-considered, original, systematic and a welcome
combination of theory and acute observation.'
Monroe Price, University of Pennsylvania
'Voltmer has written a comprehensive, elegant and nuanced
analysis about the state of media and democracy around the world.
The book is a go-to reference for anyone interested in
understanding the dynamic relationship between media and politics,
and the obstacles for more plural, public-oriented media.'
Silvio Waisbord, George Washington University
'Comprehensive and contemporary, Voltmer's book is a valuable
addition to the comparative media studies literature, and advances
our understanding of the close and complex relationship between the
media and new democracies.'
Daya Thussu, University of Westminster, London
