Democracy is dependent on open and accountable government and active citizen participation but this can only really come about where the information and the means to access it is readily available.
Our work in media involves capacity-building and networking events for young journalists from Scotland and across the world.
In April and May journalists from around the world travelled to the UK to shadow candidates during the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly elections, which took place on 3 May 2007. Find out more.
In May 2006 we organised a public discussion on Muslims and the media in Glasgow to launch a publication called British Muslims:Media Guide. The book describes the UK’s Muslim communities and aims to strengthen international understanding of the diverse nature of society in the UK today. Read about the discussion.
Listen to a podcast of author Ehsan Masood discussing his book British Muslims : Media Guide with Roy Greenslade from Guardian Unlimited Media Talk.
Download a pdf of the book (1.5Mb).
The book can also be ordered online at Amazon for £5.
In partnership with the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations we organised a capacity-building visit to Scotland for young international journalists, that coincided with the World Assembly.
The journalists, who come from countries including Egypt, Kazakhstan and Uganda, will attend briefing and networking events with Scottish media practitioners.
Journalists are sometimes named as one of the least trusted professions, alongside estate agents, lawyers and politicians. But in an emerging democracy, the media can fulfil a vital task. The role of media in society was discussed at a seminar in Malawi. Find out more.
In the August 2006 Festival of Politics which took place in Edinburgh we organised a training and networking visit for a group of young and student journalists. The programme gave them the chance to develop their understanding of the relationship between politics and the media.
Participants, came from countries including Vietnam, Jordan, Serbia and Thailand, and were joined by two Scottish students. They took part in a two-day seminar covering issues such as press freedom, ethics and freedom of information, as well as considering the new concepts of ‘citizen journalism’ and blogging.
The participants then spent the next four days at the Festival of Politics, listening and contributing to the debate.
| 
