World Movement for Democracy - Using Advocacy to Achieve Democratic Reform

What's Being Done On . . . Using Advocacy to Achieve Democratic Reform?

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Training in Advocacy

Taking Issues to Government

Informing for Change

Links to Online Resources

Interview

MEDIA REFORM- Premesh Chandran (Malaysia)

EDUCATIONAL REFORM- Muna Darwish (Jordan)

GOOD GOVERNANCE - Lyudmila Georgieva (Bulgaria)

HUMAN RIGHTS -Jacqueline Pitanguy (Brazil)

LEGISLATIVE REFORM - Elisabeth Ungar (Colombia)

World Movement Participants Database - Search for more information about groups using advocacy to achieve democratic reform.

MEDIA REFORM

Interview with Premesh Chandran of Malaysiakini (Malaysia)

Mr. Premesh Chandran works for an independent newspaper, "Malaysiakini,"that uses the Internet as its main vehicle of distribution. Mr. Chandran is currently active in the development of a functional network of the World Movement, the "Democracy Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Group."

Q: How was Malaysiakini formed and what is its overall mission?

A: Malaysiakini was formed in response to government control over all mass media, with the goals of creating an opportunity to build an independent media using the Internet as a platform. Malaysiakini's mission is as follows: "To publish an online newspaper that informs the Malaysian public of the latest news and critical issues in an independent and fair manner, and to facilitate discussion of current concerns, thereby challenging the views produced by the government-dominated mainstream media. "

Q: What are the most effective strategies and tactics used in your work in advocating for media reform?

A: Malaysiakini advocates for media reform indirectly by publishing Malaysiakini.com on a daily basis. Malaysiakini's existence offers the public an alternative news source, thereby

increasing the visibility of bias in the mainstream press;
allowing the public the option not to buy from the government-controlled press, thereby increasing consumer pressure for reform;
leading the news cycle, thus pressuring the mass media to report more accurately;
offering journalists a space to practice good journalism;
serving as an example of professional journalism in a multiracial country like Malaysia, and working independently of government licensing;
serving as a reminder that with new ICTs, control over the media is becoming less possible.

Q: What has been your greatest accomplishment in advocating for changes in policies or procedures that has had a direct effect on media reform?

A: There has yet to be legislative or policy changes. Nevertheless, the mainstream print media have become more vocal in calling for media reform, taking note that the dualism in media regulation, between a free Internet and the controlled print and broadcast media, will weaken their position in the long term.

Q: What are some examples of the common challenges that advocacy groups face in promoting reform?

A: The control that the government has over freedom of assembly, speech, and the media prevents the dissemination of information to the public and makes it difficult to launch a public campaign for press freedom.

Q: What are the most effective strategies for overcoming these challenges and effectively implementing your work?

A: The provision of alternative media is the biggest success in pressuring for change. To enhance alternative media, the key strategy is creating an eco-system of sustainable financial ties to support the growth of alternative media.

About "What's Being Done On . . . "

For three months at a time, we highlight the activities of various organizations in different global regions, and links to important resources, that are focused on a particular theme or area of democracy work. Each new theme is announced via DemocracyNews, and the information from the previous installment is placed in the archives below. We hope to receive and post information about the work you or others may be doing that is focused on these issues. Send information via e-mail to the or by fax to (202) 378-9889.