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EDITORIAL As this is the first issue of the Communications Law in Transition Newsletter, some description of its genesis and purpose might be helpful. Almost five years ago, the Post-Soviet Media Law and Policy Newsletter ("PSMLPN") was begun, largely in recognition of the need—among a community worldwide that was involved in media developments in Russia, the former Soviet Union, and Central and Eastern Europe—for reportage, commentary, and insights into the structures and law-related changes taking place there. When PSMLPN was started, it was filling a void. But since then, things have changed. There is far more information available and available in a convenient way. Undoubtedly, PSMLPN in its then form could have continued, but change seemed desirable. So with this issue, I mark the end of that productive enterprise. I want to thank Andrei Richter, Peter Yu, Peter Krug and many others who sustained this enterprise and made it possible. I especially want to thank Wade Green who was key in assuring some financial nourishment. Now, it is on to Communications Law in Transition. This Newsletter, as heir to PSMLPN, grows out of a contract with USAID and its Center for Democracy and Governance. The contract is to explore a new term: the enabling environment for media reform in transitional societies. The project is based at Oxford University, at the Programme in Comparative Media Law and Policy. The project director is Dr Beatrice Rozumilowicz. The study is developing a sense of stages or contexts for media law intervention or reform and undertaking case studies in a wide variety of settings. The function of the Newsletter is to have a conversation, in a sense, between the Oxford Programme and the larger collection of scholars, graduate students, policymakers, NGOs, funding entities, and government officials interested in the question of media change, law, and democratic structures. The Internet makes this Newsletter possible and provides for interaction and feedback. We look forward to comments, suggestions and criticism. |
Last Updated: 10/31/99 |
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© 1999 Communications Law in
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