CGCS Books/Reports in Development

Susan Abbott and Monroe Price are developing a book with the tentative title of "Evaluating the Evaluators: Measures of Press Freedom and Media Contributions to Development." This book attempts to bring together in one volume a variety of viewpoints and perspectives about evaluating media assistance, offering critical reflection on theories and tools of measurements that are used by the academic, donor, and civil society communities. It will offer a timely debate from both the academic and practitioner communities and draw upon a variety of theoretical and geographic perspectives. The book will deal with traditional media such as TV, radio, and broadcast mediums, and also take into consideration new media technologies and how they impact upon media development.

The goal of this occasional paper series is to encourage scholarship, discussion and comparative research on contemporary issues within African media studies. We are especially interested in exploring how particular cultural and political factors have shaped the development of African media systems and vice versa. Possible topics include the role of media in the nation and state-building process, the consolidation of political power, reconciliation (or its failure) and conflict/post-conflict situations. ICT, radio, television, press, as well as other forms of media such as poetry, theater and sermons, will be considered. We welcome contributions based on original research and those that look critically at prevailing assumptions within this field. This project is a joint effort of the Center for Global Communication Studies (Annenberg School, University of Pennsylvania), the African Studies Center (University of Pennsylvania) and the Stanhope Centre for Communications Policy Research.

Please contact Libby Morgan for more information.

The worlds of academia and policymaking are often portrayed as disconnected, unrelated spheres. In practice, however, collaboration between academics and policymakers is essential to developing sound policies and inspiring research that serves the public interest. In an ongoing effort to highlight the linkages between the academy and the policy world, CGCS, in collaboration with the Social Science Research Council, is soliciting papers that address efforts to connect research and communications policy. A first group of papers has been published as a "Special Section on Academic Research and Policy" with the online International Journal of Communication. Subsequent contributions will be posted on the SSRC's Media Research Hub.

We are seeking short (approx. 2,000 word) informal contributions that explore this question in a variety of international contexts. Please contact Libby Morgan if you are interested in contributing.