14 case study reports discussing the policy processes and the regulatory tools that have a bearing on the development of free and independent media in the countries covered by the MEDIADEM project have been published. MEDIADEM (European Media Policies Revisited: Valuing & Reclaiming Free and Independent Media in Contemporary Democratic Systems) is a European interdisciplinary research project, aimed at examining the factors that promote or hinder policy development for media freedom and independence. The case study reports engage in an empirical study of the institutional dynamics of media policy-making in the countries under review (Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey and the UK). They also examine the regulatory framework governing the media, investigating whether the domestic rules, as enacted and implemented, facilitate the development of free and independent media. The methodology employed for the case study reports combines an examination of primary resources, secondary literature and semi-structured interviews with policy-makers, journalists and independent media regulators, amongst others.

In more detail, the reports:

•    Identify the institutional structures and the actors involved in media policy formulation and implementation, inquiring into the values that guide their activities, in particular freedom of expression and the right to information;
•    Investigate the formulation and implementation of the legal rules concerned with the configuration of the media market and the diversification of media content;
•    Examine journalists’ professional practices and autonomy;
•    Explore the media literacy initiatives adopted at a state and non-state level, the degree to which they are underpinned by freedom of expression and information standards, and media transparency.

The case study reports are available here. More information about the MEDIADEM project and its research findings can be found here.

On Sunday 22 January 2012 Greek scholars organised a public debate entitled: “For Greece, now!” Speakers were Ms. Anna Diamantopoulou (Minister of Education), Mr. Yannis Boutaris (Mayor of Thessaloniki), Professor Loukas Tsoukalis (University of Athens and President of ELIAMEP) and Mr. Kostis Hatzidakis (MP, former Minister). The discussion was moderated by Professor N.K. Alivizatos (University of Athens). The event took place in the Old Parliament.

Success stories of integration in Greek and Dutch Society

Programme:

Welcoming remarks : H.E. the Ambassador of the Kingdom of The Netherlands in Athens, Mr Kees van Rij

Speakers:
Mr Kader Abdolah, writer
Dr Gazmend Kapllani, journalist/writer

Prof. Antigoni Lymperaki,  Panteion University, Scientific Advisor, ELIAMEP, will moderate the discussion

The discussion will be held in English on Tuesday 14 February 2012. at 17.00-19.00 at the European Parliament Office in Athens (8, Amalias str.)There will be simultaneous interpretation to Greek and English.

R.S.V.P.: Ms  Matina  Meintani
Τ: 210 7257124,
F: 210 7257114
e-mail: activities@eliamep.gr

About the author

David Lascelles is a leading international writer on financial affairs. A former Banking Editor and New York correspondent for the Financial Times, he is now Senior Fellow of the Centre for the Study of Financial Innovation, a London-based think tank which explores the future of the financial services industry. He is also the author of several books and research papers on banking and finance. He is married and lives in London.

Express (20/1), Κathimerini (20/1), Kerdos (24/1),  Νaftemporiki (23/1), Vradyni (21/1)