Media Development 2020/1
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Free Press and four allies have filed a lawsuit (27 August 2020) challenging an order against social media companies. The US District Court, Northern District of California, will hear a complaint against President Trump’s “Executive Order on Preventing Online Censorship”, which targets online platforms with a range of official reprisals – including threats to their established legal immunity, investigation by government enforcement agencies, and the loss of significant government spending – for engaging in constitutionally protected speech, including combating misinformation online.

Sohailia Saywack, a recent graduate of Western University’s MA sociology program and current Master of Global Affairs candidate at the University of Toronto, has joined WACC as an international development intern.   “WACC Global’s mission of...

Media freedom is the freedom to protest. “Hong Kong has long been respected as a powerful global economic hub and lively political and democratic space, supported by a proud and strong independent media. Yet the imposition of the new national security law… has undermined fundamental rights and freedom of expression… and severely damages Hong Kong’s autonomy,” says a statement published by the International Federation of Journalists on 19 August 2020. It was signed by eight leading organisations supporting media freedom.

A new law in Tanzania tightens controls on cooperation between local and international media outlets. Under new regulations announced by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority, which came into force on 10 August 2020, local media must now seek government permission to broadcast foreign content. They will be responsible for any perceived “offence” contained in that content.

The new issue of WACC ‘s quarterly journal, Media Development, highlights the role of public communication, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, lessons learned from various responses, and the challenges ahead.  The pandemic highlighted many issues, including the importance of accurate and timely information in saving lives,...