Revolutions Spark Short-term Media Improvements in Georgia...
16.06.2005 / 09:15 / Rubriek: Informatief / Organisatie: Irex
Revolutions Spark Short-term Media Improvements in Georgia and Ukraine, as Development Gap Remains Between Media in Southeast Europe and Central Asia
WASHINGTON, June 16/PRNewswire/ --
IREX announces the release of the Media Sustainability Index (MSI) 2004, which provides a qualitative and quantitative analysis of media development in twenty countries across Europe and Eurasia. Trends charted from 2001 to 2004 highlight the positive effects of democratic change that have the potential to advance media freedoms throughout the region. Other trends reveal the damaging results of self-censorship and political pressure as independent media in Central Asia struggle to grow at the same rate as those in Southeast Europe.
The new MSI 2004 can be found at www.irex.org/msi/.
Mark Pomar, President of IREX, noted: 'As the dramatic events in Georgia and Ukraine have shown, there is a strong correlation between free media and democratic government. The MSI is a unique tool that analyzes the state of independent media and, in the process, develops important indicators of political change.'
The MSI, funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), offers a valuable tool for media professionals, public officials, scholars and others concerned about media and its role in democratic and economic reform. The MSI is the only study that critically examines the entire media sector in each of the 20 countries in Southeast Europe and Eurasia. The Index analyzes freedom of speech, plurality of media available to citizens, professional journalism standards, business sustainability of media, and the efficacy of institutions that support independent media. The report features country-by-country rankings using a proven methodology and detailed input from local and international media professionals. The annual study also highlights and compares trends from 2001 to 2004 to show where countries have improved, where backsliding has occurred, and what can be expected for the future of independent media in the region.
IREX (the International Research & Exchanges Board) is an international nonprofit organization specializing in education, independent media, Internet development, and civil society programs. Founded in 1968, IREX currently implements 40 programs in over 50 countries with offices in 17 countries across Europe, Eurasia, The Middle East and North Africa, and the United States.
For more information about IREX, visit www.irex.org.
Web site: www.irex.org
Source: International Research & Exchanges Board
Lisa N Blonder, Communications Manager, lblonder@irex.org, or Mark Whitehouse, Director, Media Development Division, mwhitehouse@irex.org, both of International Research & Exchanges Board, +1-202-628-8188