America.gov-Press Freedom: Introduction

Burmese Writers Play Cat-and-Mouse Game with State Censors

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:29:35 GMT

Burma’s writers and journalists have developed literary traditions to cope with the draconian state censorship that has existed since the 1962 under military rule. Some writers use vague post-modern expression, while others take great personal risk to get political messages past the notorious censors.

Student Visitors Ponder the Changing World of Journalism

Stephen Kaufman — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:41:47 GMT

High school-age students from Europe, Central Asia and the United States are getting well acquainted with the world of journalism thanks to the State Department-funded Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows program at Wake Forest University.

Independent News Media Important for Democracy Worldwide

Stephen Kaufman — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:05:35 GMT

U.S. efforts to promote democracy overseas include funding foreign independent news media. A new report says that with the fall of communism in Europe and elsewhere, free and responsible press organizations have taken on an increasingly important role in promoting democracy and need additional funding and attention.

Former White House Spokesmen Take Experience to Private Sector

Stephen Kaufman — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:03:09 GMT

Former presidential spokesmen Mike McCurry, George Stephanopoulos and Ari Fleischer say their experience at the White House prepared them well for media careers. Stephanopoulos says a White House background gives journalists “detailed policy and political knowledge” and a “bracing lack of cynicism about the possibilities of government.”

Zimbabweans Relying on Foreign Broadcasts for Political News

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:11:34 GMT

Zimbabweans starved of information and seeking up-to-date news on the violent turmoil in their country are tuning in to Studio 7, run by the Voice of America, as a balanced alternative to the country’s state-run media.

William Safire, Bill Moyers Discuss Post-Government Journalism

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:07:22 GMT

Famed journalists William Safire and Bill Moyers, who both worked in the White House, tell America.gov that their government experience served them well when they later went into journalism. Safire, a former New York Times political columnist, says having a journalistic background also helps those who go into politics.

Blurry Line Separates Politics, Journalism

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:29:08 GMT

Scores of individuals from the political world are switching to jobs in journalism, and vice versa. Media experts talk to America.gov about the ramifications of this “revolving door” and how important it is for those formerly involved in politics to establish their credibility as journalists with the general public.

Exhibit Showcases Love-Hate Relationship Between FBI and Press

Stephen Kaufman — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:25:49 GMT

The Washington Newseum unveils its new “G-Men and Journalists” exhibit, which examines the relationship of “cooperation and conflict” dating back to the 1930s between the FBI and the press. “Sometimes it has been very cooperative. Other times it has been extraordinarily combative,” Newseum official Susan Bennett says.

Iranian-born Journalist Wins Award for Press Freedom Advocacy

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:12:03 GMT

Ahmad Rafat, an Iranian-born journalist now based in Italy, wins the prestigious Ilaria Alpi prize for his long-time work promoting press freedom and human rights. He recently drew media attention for another reason, when he was barred from covering a U.N. food summit, apparently at the request of Iranian officials.

West Bank Radio Station Helps Youth Trade Despair for Dreams

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:28:57 GMT

With support from Internews Network’s Aswatona project for the West Bank and Gaza, one West Bank radio station is addressing the rampant frustration and despair among local youth through a special radio program produced by and for young people.

China’s Government Praised for Easing Media Restrictions

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 20 May 2008 15:30:36 GMT

China is getting high marks from news organizations worldwide for its extraordinary openness to press coverage in the aftermath of the massive May 12 earthquake that devastated Sichuan province. Observers wonder whether this development is a sign China’s strained relationship with the press is improving.

Warnings on Burmese Cyclone Came Mainly from Overseas

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:56:48 GMT

International broadcasters are “needed more than ever,” says James Glassman, who cites the crucial role Radio Free Asia and the Voice of America recently played in Burma to warn civilians about Cyclone Nargis and offer in-depth information on relief efforts -- information not available from their military government.