Dear all,
Am sending here the community briefing note from the community media gropup
here in PrepCom3. As I have reported in my previous posting earlier today, the
current version of the Decalaration has absolutely no reference to community
media.
Best,
Mavic
*****************
World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC)
Briefing note on the Draft Declaration (19 September 2003)
We are deeply disappointed about the removal of reference to community
media which was previous included in Swiss proposals for paragraph 47 of
the draft Declaration.
Community-based media and communications initiative are a vital means of
reaching the poorest communities and engaging civil society in bridging the
digital divide.
We propose the following specific amendments to the new Draft Declaration:
In paragraph 13, after "foster cultural diversity" include the words
"support community-based communications"
In paragraph 32, at end add: "Community-based media and communication
initiatives should be encouraged and supported"
In paragraph 47, replace "Traditional media in all its forms" with
"Traditional media including public service broadcasting and community media"
We also call for assurance that specific proposals will be included in the
Action Plan to support the development of community-based media and
communications.