America.gov-Press Freedom: Traditional Media

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.

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.

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.

Newspaperman Ben Bradlee Says Good Reporters Dig for Truth

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:04:11 GMT

Good journalists work hard to uncover the truth when reporting a news story, says former Washington Post executive editor Ben Bradlee. Reporters do their best work in finding newsworthy articles when not restricted by a paper’s owner or editors, he tells America.gov.

Celebrated Editor Ben Bradlee Says Newspapers Here To Stay

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:47:56 GMT

World-renowned newspaperman Ben Bradlee says daily print newspapers are vital to the public and will continue to operate, despite predictions of their ultimate demise within the next 20 years. Larry Kilman, director of communications at the World Association of Newspapers, also dismisses reports that printed newspapers are dying out.

Global Broadcasters Unite To Confront Threats to Press Freedom

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:39:28 GMT

In response to growing challenges in reaching their audiences around the world, the five most influential international broadcasters have joined together for the first time to condemn what they describe as the “grave and rising threats to the right to gather information and communicate it across national borders.”

Foundation Honors Courageous Women Journalists

Stephen Kaufman — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 17:31:12 GMT

Reporting the news from Zimbabwe is a dangerous endeavor causing “a constant state of sadness,” veteran journalist Peta Thornycroft says. Despite the constant risk to her personal safety as one of the country’s few remaining independent journalists, she pushes herself to continue because “it’s a story that has to be told.” Similarly, Mexican journalist Lydia Cacho says she perseveres in behalf of the millions of Mexicans who live without the means to find work or feed their families. Thornycroft, Cacho and seven other courageous women journalists are recognized for 2007 by the International Women’s Media Foundation for their dedication to their profession and their personal bravery.

World Governments To Discuss Radio-Frequency Airwaves in October

Stephen Kaufman — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 17:26:44 GMT

More than 2,000 people representing nearly 200 nations will gather in Geneva in late October to negotiate how to share the planet’s airwaves, called the radio-frequency spectrum. The World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-07), held every four to five years, affects thousands of government agencies and companies and millions of people worldwide who use wireless services, devices and networks. “While the spectrum may be invisible, it is increasingly the lifeblood of economies and the mode by which people build their communities,” Richard Russell, head of the U.S. delegation to WRC-07 and deputy director for technology in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, tells USINFO.