In
many parts of the world, community media are a rapidly growing phenomenon.
Community media usually refer to, at minimum, the following characteristics:
1.
Community
ownership and control
2.
Community
service
3.
Community
participation
4.
A
non-profit business model[i]
Community
media can be print or broadcast, as well as online and may publish in local languages. Community newspapers have a
long history in some contexts, with small print runs and volunteer writers and
editors allowing for affordable publication. Community radio stations now
proliferate as a model for promoting local-level development and civic
education, spurred by liberalizing of licensing regimes and the increasing
affordability of technology. Community television stations are also increasing
in number. In some countries, national public broadcasters will also play a
community role, carrying material produced by (or aimed at) particular local
communities, or communities of interest.
The
definition of ‘community’ is often questioned when discussing community media.
What exactly is a community? Traditionally it has been assumed to refer to a
geographical community. But in South Africa, for example, with one of the
widest networks of community radio in the world, the term is also used to refer
to a community of interest, especially among disadvantaged sectors of society.
Thus there might be a ‘women's community’, a ‘gay community’ or a ‘community of
people with disabilities’. There may also be community media aimed at people of
a certain religious faith.[ii]
In the Solomon Islands, Vois Blong Mere (‘Women’s Voices’) is a non-profit
community radio organisation broadcasting for the past ten years, focusing on
women’s voices in all aspects of life. Virtual
communities also challenge the definition of community. They are social
media-based and transcend geographical boundaries, yet count as communities of
sorts. Given that they often adhere to the four broad principles of community
media mentioned above, some uses of social media usage can also be considered
community media.
The
significance of this for elections is immediately apparent. Community media,
almost by definition, have a limited but loyal audience. For purposes of voter
education, community media is very important, especially as they can reach
sections of society that may be bypassed by more traditional media.
The
terms of community broadcasting licences often prohibit explicit political
campaigning. It is particularly important for a regulatory authority to monitor
compliance with the terms of a licence during election periods.
[i] Jean Fairbain,
Community Media Sustainability Guide: the
Business of Changing Lives”, (Arcata California: Internews, 2009),7
http://www.internews.org/sites/default/files/resources/InternewsCommunityMediaGuide2009.pdf
[ii] Richard Carver
and Ann Naughton (eds), Who Rules the
Airwaves? Broadcasting in Africa, (London: ARTICLE 19 and Index on Censorship
1995),93. See also http://www.amarc.org (World Association of Community Radio
Broadcasters).
