The last quarter of a century has seen an unprecedented wave of democratization around the globe. In these transitions from authoritarian rule to a more democratic order the media have played a key role both by facilitating, but frequently also inhibiting democratic practices to take root. This book provides an accessible and systematic introduction to the media in transitional democracies. It analyses the problems that occur when transforming the media into independent institutions that are able to inform citizens and hold governments to account. The book covers the following topics: The persistence of political interference Media markets and political ownership Defining journalism after regime changes The role of the media in divided societies The effectiveness of international media development programmes. The book takes a comparative view by exploring the interplay of political and media transitions in different pathways of democratization that took place in Eastern Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia. It will be of interest to advanced students and scholars who want a better understanding of the media outside established western democracies. The book will also be of great value to policymakers who are involved in strengthening the media in transitional democracies.

Katrin Voltmer is senior lecturer in the Institute of Communication Studies at the University of Leeds.