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Hot Topic - Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region Media

News Network In Search Of Itself Retreats - April 4, 2016
Maturity comes to international news broadcasters when hot coverage fades. Parachuting crews in conflict zones create, often, as many headlines as they report. There is a place for that and audiences are drawn to the excitement. When the buzz fades - and critics leap out - it’s time to “examine the business model.”

Rowing Against Current Just As Difficult As Ever - October 6, 2014
Awful things are popping out all over the internet. Politicians vow to make it safe, at least for themselves. We understand their frustration. But the internet and all things that spring from it are not just a well of ideas to be bottled up. On this river everything flows.

Social Media Lowers Fear, Not Loathing - July 8, 2013
When events of major importance are met with a dearth of credible information people most affected will search high and low for news that satisfies basic needs. People verify information sources very lightly, something marketing people fully understand. Family and friends are most trusted, followed by familiar names, then, sometimes, institutions.

Major Media Ignores The Obvious Until It Hurts - June 3, 2013
Where sharp divides on cultural issues exist passions are easily ignited by the smallest acts. Sometimes it's the air of springtime. Sometimes it's the fear of another Spring. Whatever is in the air, people hear about it. It's a fact that can't be controlled.

Creditors Reject The Better Offer, Insecurity Reigns - February 27, 2013
Investment strategies for media houses are as diverse as the sector. There is the endless search for new opportunities through new markets or new technologies. Simply moving cash is also a major consideration. Insecurity abounds within the media world making good investments very tricky.

Arab Spring Governments Have A Big Problem With The Media - June 18, 2012
Calls to replace old media structures resound, far and wide, with popular surges toward democracy. The Arab Spring has been but the latest. The idealism of newly empowered citizens quite naturally seeks voice, some of which was found in new media and quickly. Traditional media is more difficult to turn.

Memory Hole For Foreign News Bureaus - May 10, 2012
After years of shrinking foreign bureaus to save money, news organizations are finding more and more interest in their work. Maybe dismal economics hasn’t put globalization in reverse. Or maybe there are some trends you just can’t buck.


Media in the Middle East and North Africa

The striking contrasts in the MENA region’s media are the hopes for new media, fears for traditional publishing and broadcasting amidst conflict and insecurity. This ftm Knowledge file notes the accomplishments and the reversals. 90 pages PDF includes Resources (April 2016)

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ftm resources

  • Regions - North Africa - Press Freedom Indicators (April 2016)
    Reporters sans Frontiers (2012-2015), Freedom House (2012-2015)
  • Regions - Middle East - Press Freedom Indicators (April 2016)
    Reporters sans Frontiers (2012-2015), Freedom House (2012-2015)

  • ftm Knowledge

    Media in Spain - Diverse and Challenged – new

    Media in Spain is steeped in tradition. yet challenged by diversity. Publishers hold great influence, broadcasters competing. New media has been slow to rise and business models for all are under stress. Rich in language and culture, Spain's media is reaching into the future and finding more than expected. 123 pages, PDF. January 2018

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    The Campaign Is On - Elections and Media

    Elections campaigns are big media events. Candidates and issues are presented, analyzed and criticized in broadcast and print. Media is now more of a participant in elections than ever. This ftm Knowledge file reports on news coverage, advertising, endorsements and their effect on democracy at work. 84 pages. PDF (September 2017)

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    Fake News, Hate Speech and Propaganda

    The institutional threat of fake news, hate speech and propaganda is testing the mettle of those who toil in news media. Those three related evils are not new, by any means, but taken together have put the truth and those reporting it on the back foot. Words matter. This ftm Knowledge file explores that light. 48 pages, PDF (March 2017)

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