Mapping Global Media Policy: A Practical Approach to Understanding the Governance of Communications

Presentation by Claudia Padovani, Arne Hintz and Errol Salamon

As the media and communications landscape is changing, so is the way it is governed, regulated and enabled. New non-governmental actors are participating in new, often informal, regulatory mechanisms, on a variety of levels between local and global, and in a converging yet increasing variety of thematic areas.

The collaborative project 'Mapping Global Media Policy', which is hosted at Media@McGill, offers a framework and mechanism for scholars to understand the relations, interactions and competing interests in this complex environment, as well as the outcomes of policies and advocacy. The project encompasses an online database of policy measures, actors and sites; visual mapping tools; and a distinct research agenda. The purposes of the project are to build and share knowledge, research current trends and stimulate scholarly collaboration.

Claudia Padovani and Arne Hintz will introduce the concept and theoretical foundations, provide a practical guideline for the online platform, offer insights related to future developments, and highlight various scenarios of use. This workshop will invite scholars and students to use and contribute to the project, on the basis of their respective areas of interest and approaches.