Hello Sharon! I will certainly add your thoughts to the mix, particularly in terms of thinking about how it translates into the global context. The idea does rely on existing infrastructure (coordinating bodies), although perhaps there is a chance that something like AMARC could take it on, which would raise the international profile of groups, even where their national regulatory situation is inadequate or repressive. And it would at least raise global consciousness on the need for regulation at the national level. I see it as 'branding' an existing social movement to raise its profile, if that makes sense. Excuse the corporate-speak! (I have no idea if AMARC is willing to address issues of media convergence, however. I am just using them as an example...) Ellie >>> <[log in to unmask]> 09/08/08 3:56 PM >>> Hi Ellie I understand and appreciate the need for a coordinated community media network and it would be interesting to see how things develop in Australia; I guess the issue for smaller/developing countries (global south) is first ensuring there are initially positive regulatory frameworks to enable community broadcasting following common principles; This would possibly also enable (in smaller media societies) to also join existing self regulatory structures eg media councils - especially when there are a few non profits/community media organizations; This of course assuming we are talking about free and democratic societies - the fear of course where there is no democracy is we have to avoid any form of media control eg in Fiji there is the possibility of the promulgation of a media decree which would set up "control" measures; however if there are lessons to be learnt, from what you propose it would be to see how as community media we manage ourselves to avoid the risks of closure etc Hope this helps your deliberations Kind regards as always Sharon ------Original Message------ From: Ellie Rennie Sender: To: [log in to unmask] ReplyTo: Ellie Rennie Sent: Aug 9, 2008 11:42 AM Subject: community media accreditation Hi everyone, Apologies for writing in English. I hope someone can translate for me. I am interested in hearing your feedback on the idea of an accreditation scheme for community media - a bit like Fair Trade labeling but for broadcast and online community media. A group of us here in Australia have organised a symposium ito discuss the concept and logistics. We would like to trial it here and then see if it could go global. OURMedia could possibly be a key organisation in making it work by uniting various peak bodies etc. I have written a short article explaining the idea. It can be found at: http://www.creative.org.au/webboard/results.chtml?filename_num=224226 Ellie Dr Ellie Rennie Research Fellow Institute for Social Research ARC Centre of Excellence for Creative Industries and Innovation +61 3 9214 5303 0404 808 900 ----- Swinburne University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code: 00111D NOTICE This e-mail and any attachments are confidential and intended only for the use of the addressee. They may contain information that is privileged or protected by copyright. If you are not the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution, printing, copying or use is strictly prohibited. The University does not warrant that this e-mail and any attachments are secure and there is also a risk that it may be corrupted in transmission. It is your responsibility to check any attachments for viruses or defects before opening them. If you have received this transmission in error, please contact us on +61 3 9214 8000 and delete it immediately from your system. We do not accept liability in connection with computer virus, data corruption, delay, interruption, unauthorised access or unauthorised amendment. Please consider the environment before printing this email. Sent via BlackBerry® from Vodafone. ----- Swinburne University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code: 00111D Nthe use of the addressee. They may contain information that is privileged or protected by copyright. If you are not the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution, printing, copying or use is strictly prohibited. The University does not warrant that this e-mail and any attachments are secure and there is also a risk that it may be corrupted in transmission. It is your responsibility to check any attachments for viruses or defects before opening them. If you have received this transmission in error, please contact us on +61 3 9214 8000 and delete it immediately from your system. We do not accept liability in connection with computer virus, data corruption, delay, interruption, unauthorised access or unauthorised amendment. Please consider the environment before printing this email.