Journalism, Democracy and Development

It is commonly agreed that there is a relationship between the media and democracy, although the nature of the relationship is debated. This course addresses the issue by considering the role of the journalistic media in democratization processes, as well as the ways in which the spread of new digital media technologies affect democracy. . The course takes as its starting point that the media are used actively throughout the world to promote social and national development, both by local authorities and the international community. Yet there is a lack of consensus on how to describe the role of the media in these processes, and there is a need for a deeper understanding of the motives for the utilization of the media by various stakeholders and the potentials and limitations of journalism in this regard.

The course concerns itself centrally with media development projects, which have become a prominent part of the way in which democratization is supported by external actors. The course considers conceptual approaches, strengths, challenges, and critiques of media development. A particular focus is on conflict situations, where besides safety concerns there is also reason to question how the media and journalists operate and in which way they engage with different parties in the conflict.

The course also explores the role of digital media (sometimes called 'new media') in democratization processes as well as the impact of the spread of digital media on democracy across the world. With economic and technological advances, digital media have opened up new possibilities for public participation in the media. At the same time, digital media are criticized for reinforcing the gap between the information rich and the information poor, even within developing societies, while platformisation - the growing power of digital platforms - has created new centers of power, extended the potential for misinformation and damaged existing business models for journalistic media. Additional challenges emerge from developments in artificial intelligence.

The course relies on case studies and examples, including experiences of NA University College in journalism and media development in various parts of the world.

Knowledge

The student:

• has knowledge of major paradigms within development theory
• comprehends key theoretical approaches to media and democratization
• is familiar with selected alternative approaches to journalistic development
• has knowledge of experiences with journalistic development in conflict societies
• is able to explain key issues in debates about the impact of digital media on democracy and development

Skills

The student:

• can assess general approaches to journalism and democratization
• can analyze and critique media development approaches and projects in a particular society from a theoretical point of view
• demonstrates ability to discuss ethical issues pertaining to the role of journalistic activity in a conflict society
• is able to scrutinize various views in the debate concerning digital media, democracy and development and argue for solutions

General competence

The student:

• can communicate issues of journalism and development within a broader development frame
• has skills to problematize media interventions

GJ 302-1: Journalism and democratization

This section of the course visits classic theories of media and democracy and discusses the particular role of journalism in light of the different models. It also considers media development efforts in emerging democracies, in terms of both theory and practice. An additional focus considers the particular circumstances and approaches that arise in conflict and post-conflict societies, including questions of journalism safety.

GJ 302-2: Digital media and democratic developmentThis part of the course explores the role of digital media (sometimes called ‘new media’) in democracy. processes. The use of new digital platforms on the fringes of classic journalism, , is discussed. The power of new digital platforms and the role of AI are discussed, together with their impact on democracy, including misinformation, damage to business models and issues of privacy and surveillance. Discussion will also focus on solutions being explored in different parts of the world. A perspective on media regulation in closed regimes is presented.

The following coursework requirement must be passed before a final grade is given for the course:

Participation in a group assignment which consists of an oral presentation of a specific media society for a relevant audience (could also be an individual assignment). The presentation should discuss relations between journalism, democracy and development in the particular society.

Assessment

The graded assessment in GJ 302 comprises two items:

1. A 3000 word written assignment/paper (30% of the final grade), individual

2. An oral examination (70% of the final grade), individual

1. Assignment: All tools are allowed, but using generative artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT to write the assignment or parts of the assignment is not allowed.

2. Oral examination: None