Title: Role of Journalism in Transitional and Developing Democracies
Reference: 07/114

Description: The traditional societies of Central and Eastern Europe have been the subject of considerable investment by Western development and aid agencies, including the European Union with a particular focus on developing civil society structures. The establishment of open media systems and the development of a free press have been central to these efforts for which a number of different strategies have been employed.

This research will examine the role played by media development agencies such as the BBC World Service Trust and IREX in the countries of the CEE/CIS region. Recent experience has seen a shift from direct training of media professionals and the establishment of western-oriented media systems to one of placing greater emphasis of education of the next generation of journalistic practice. DIT has been a participant in a number of such programmes and gathered extensive data in countries such as Bulgaria and Ukraine. For the purposes of this research, the research student will critically examine models of media development and assess their contribution to enhancing standards of journalism and contributing to the development of democracy in the region.

The graduate recruited to this project should have previously studied journalism, media and communications or a related discipline.

Application

For further information and to apply, please contact Prof. Michael Foley at michael.foley[ at ]dit.ie

Dublin Institute of Technology
Department of Media Studies
Aungier Street
Dublin 2, Ireland