Programme in Comparative Media Law and Policy
This research and policy programme brings together scholars, policymakers and practitioners to study contemporary issues in global media law and policy. The researchers have a particular interest in understanding media and governance in transitioning and fragile states. They strive to do this from different perspectives, emphasizing the importance of the culture and values of all the actors, both local and international. PCMLP explores the vast changes in media policy across the world from multiple disciplines—law, politics, international relations, economics and anthropology, among others. It is our view that today’s substantial challenges in this field are best understood through solid empirical research that is grounded in historical context. For full information on the activities of the programme please go to http://pcmlp.socleg.ox.ac.uk/.
Research Topics
Chinese Broadcasting Policy in Transition (2000-2010): Actors, Structure and Process (Dr Yik-Chan Chin)
The project studies the changing nature of China’s broadcasting policymaking process from 2000 to 2010 and its implications for broadcasting policy. It investigates the dynamics behind China’s broadcasting policies with a focus on the functions of internal policy actors, structure and professionalisation. Theoretically, the object of this research is to explore alternative patterns from the top down and authoritarian model in explanting policymaking behavior in China.
Information Flows and Statebuilding in Somaliland (Dr Nicole Stremlau)
PCMLP is currently working on a major study on media and information flows in post-war Somaliland. Research has been carried out across several cities including Hargeysa, Burco, Erigavo and Boroma.
Libel law and the internet in China (Dr Yik-Chan Chin)
This project explores how China and the West have applied libel law to the Internet, including online forums, BBS, blogs, instant messenger and mobile texts, through analyzing the law, court cases and rulings. On the Chinese side, more than three hundred media libel cases and their court rulings will be examined. It investigates if and how the law has been applied differently to traditional media and new media as well as to societies in the West and in China.
Media and Governance in Africa (Dr Nicole Stremlau)
PCMLP is currently engaged in a number of related research projects in this area, examining how the media affects the state and nationbuilding process in Africa. We recently cooperated in organizing a workshop and study on media and post-election violence in Eastern Africa. Case studies included Ethiopia, Kenya, Somaliland, Uganda and Sudan. In October 2009 we will start a research project on ‘Rethinking Media Development Indicators: how China is shaping media policy in Africa’.
Within this area, Daniel Bekele is undertaking a DPhil on freedom of expression in Ethiopia. This sets out to examine the Ethiopian legal environment from an international and comparative human rights law perspective.
Telecommunications regulation Tal Ofek is examining the impact that advanced and innovative technologies may have on future development of existing regulatory frameworks and approaches.
