In an age of global information structures, what scope exists for independent citizen action in media and cultural policy formation? How can audiences effectively voice critiques of media content? In an increasingly market-centred and consumer-oriented media world, what is the potential for monitoring, lobbying and advocacy?
This book argues that despite the breakdown of traditional patterns of regulation, there is a role for local action to promote diversity in the media. Focusing on media portrayals of gender, more particularly the media's role in reproducing and reinforcing patterns of discrimination against women in society, the book aims to unify the hitherto disparate strands of academic research and feminist activism in the form of gender media monitoring aimed at policy critique and practical change.
Research findings and monitoring experiences from both North and South are brought together to demonstrate how, with varying levels of resources and expertise, women's groups have developed monitoring models that can be effective in widely different media contexts. Drawn from countries as diverse as Canada, India, Spain, Jamaica, Australia and South Africa, these approaches will have lessons for everyone concerned about media democracy and diversity in the new information age.
In an age of global information structures, what scope exists for independent citizen action in media and cultural policy formation? How can audiences effectively voice critiques of media content? In an increasingly market-centred and consumer-oriented media world, what is the potential for monitoring, lobbying and advocacy?
This book argues that despite the breakdown of traditional patterns of regulation, there is a role for local action to promote diversity in the media. Focusing on media portrayals of gender, more particularly the media's role in reproducing and reinforcing patterns of discrimination against women in society, the book aims to unify the hitherto disparate strands of academic research and feminist activism in the form of gender media monitoring aimed at policy critique and practical change.
Research findings and monitoring experiences from both North and South are brought together to demonstrate how, with varying levels of resources and expertise, women's groups have developed monitoring models that can be effective in widely different media contexts. Drawn from countries as diverse as Canada, India, Spain, Jamaica, Australia and South Africa, these approaches will have lessons for everyone concerned about media democracy and diversity in the new information age.
Part I: Context 1. The Case for Monitoring and Advocacy 2. Catalysts for Monitoring and Action Part II: Experiences 3. Policy Development 4. Fact and Fiction in Media Content 5. The Advertising World 6. Gender, Politics and the Media 7. Media, Violence and Women 8. Diversity in Media Content Part III: Tools 9. Studying Gender in the Media 10. Giving Women a Voice 11. Building Media Literacy Part IV: Achievements 12. The Final Analysis
This study brings together research findings and monitoring experiences to demonstrate how women's groups have developed monitoring models that can be effective in widely different media contexts.
Margaret Gallagher is an international media consultant and researcher. Since her first book, Unequal Opportunities: The Case of Women and the Media (1981), she has authored numerous analyses of gender patterns in the world's media. Her consultancy work has included projects for the United Nations Statistics Division, UNIFEM, UNESCO, the International Labour Office, the Council of Europe, the European Commission, the European Audiovisual Observatory and the World Association for Christian Communication.
Gallagher's excellent book provides a wealth of data and analysis.
The book is a must-read for all those committed to a "gender shift"
in the media. It is also essential reading for all those
communication researchers and media activists who are concerned
about a future which respects the human entitlement to dignity,
equality and liberty.
*Cees Hamelink, University of Amsterdam*
An admirable book, long overdue. It will be an inspiration to
activists and theorists, reminding us of the ongoing necessity to
combine theory with practice.
*Liesbet van Zoonen, author of Feminist Media Studies*
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