Media, Information and Communications Policy Stream

“Media and communication can be an immense and powerful instrument for change and empowerment in society.”  The BBC World Service Trust

Media and telecommunications are going through fundamental changes. Liberalization, digitization, and convergence create important challenges for policymakers and regulators. Moreover, the importance of communications and information in modern society is growing exponentially. Media, information and communications policies play crucial roles in the lives of individuals, the development of national economies, and the effectiveness of governance and civil society at the international, national, and local levels. Through the study of this contemporary and dynamic field of public policy students are exposed to the widest possible range of classical policy problems.

This stream provides students with a thorough understanding of policy and regulation in the area of media, information, and communications, against the background of international developments and in relation to international decision-making bodies. Comparative case studies on policy formulation and the improvement of the regulatory process, especially in emerging democracies, complement the curriculum. The stream combines legal, economic and public policy perspectives. It focuses on both theory and practice and stimulates students to critically assess media and communications policy at the European, national, and international levels.

Please see below the courses offered in the Media, Information and Communications Policy Stream in the academic year 2010-2011

• Fundamentals of media and communications policy
• Enabling policies for freedom of the media
• Electronic governance
• Civil society, governance and communication
• Information privacy protection

Center for Media and Communication Studies (CMCS)

In addition to the courses offered in the context of the MA in Public Policy the CEU Center for Media and Communication Studies (CMCS) provides further academic synergies to students bringing in experts and distinguished scholars for guest lecturers and conferences in the field. The Center offers a unique opportunity to combine innovative media and communication studies with participation in joint research projects engaging the most important media departments and experts in Europe and the U.S.

Graduates of the Media, Information and Communications Policy Stream