Source: OpenMedia.ca

OpenMedia.ca (formally Campaign for Democratic Media) has released a report entitled "Revitalizing a Media Reform Movement in Canada," which is focused on the potential for a broader movement for media change in Canada. You are receiving this notice because you either participated in the study, expressed interest in it, or are part of the OpenMedia.ca network.

- Revitalizing a Media Reform Movement in Canada is Creative Commons licensed and thus freely available for distribution/printing for personal, non-commercial and educational purposes.

The report is available for online viewing or download here: http://openmedia.ca/revitalize

Revitalizing a Media Reform Movement in Canada is the result of an in-depth cross-sector Social Science Research Council-funded study, a collaboration between Simon Fraser University Communications Professor Robert Hackett, OpenMedia.ca and the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC).

The objective of this research project was to identify issues, allies, resources and frames that could facilitate successful media reform campaigns, projects and partnerships. The research shows that there is definitely potential for a much stronger network and movement for change in media and telecommunications in Canada.

Some key findings include:

* Overwhelming recognition of the importance of the Internet in NGO work and unanimous endorsement of the principle of Net Neutrality as a regulatory underpinning for equitable and affordable access to the Internet.

* Values such as openness, accessibility, participation, choice, diversity and innovation will likely resonate well with NGOs in Canada.

* Media reform organizations should consider some kind of expansive institutional structure, such as an association or network that can facilitate communication and engagement with a broad and diverse array of organizations.

"We want to make Canada's media as open and innovative as possible, and this requires that we make smart and informed decisions regarding the scope and direction of our work," says Steve Anderson, national co-ordinator of OpenMedia and a co-author of the report. "This study goes a long way in illustrating the potential to expand our work, and what steps we need to take to get there."

"The survey and the review of media policy issues shows important shortcomings in how well Canada's media meet the requirements of democracy, including cuts to local journalism," says co-author Prof. Hackett. "But the survey also suggests promising signs of a growth in citizen awareness and activism around media issues."

Philip Lee, WACC Deputy Director of Programme, says "The Canadian media scene is wide open for civil society to get directly involved democratizing its communication structures. It should seize the opportunity with both hands."

View the report and news release here: http://openmedia.ca/revitalize

Building from this study, OpenMedia.ca is inviting Canadians to provide input concerning their work through an online survey. Don't miss your chance to help define OpenMedia:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QL85KKW

We also encourage groups to invite their members/community to take the survey so we can include their input as well: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QL85KK

If you have any questions or comments please don't hesitate to get in
touch with me.

--
Steve Anderson
OpenMedia.ca
National Coordinator
604-837-5730

© OpenMedia.ca