Mapping 'Diversity of Participation' in Networked Media Environments

26 Pages Posted: 21 Dec 2012 Last revised: 2 Oct 2014

See all articles by Martha Fuentes-Bautista

Martha Fuentes-Bautista

School of Public Policy; Department of Communication; University of Massachusetts Amherst - National Center for Digital Government

Date Written: November 1, 2012

Abstract

In the United States the transition to an increasingly digital communication environment under pro-market policies has challenged traditional formulations of media diversity and localism regulation centered on content origination requirements and media ownership. Building on an overview of the participatory development and media policy literatures, this paper argues for a participatory community development approach to the redefinition of these public interest policies in networked scenarios. Asking who is participating in what, and for whose benefit, I propose a diversity matrix of various modalities of community participation in key public service functions of digital information organizations. The paper discusses the advantages of this approach in response to policy concerns about cultural diversity, digital inclusion and democratic governance of local information ecosystems.

Keywords: Digital governance, participatory governance, media diversity, media localism, digital inclusion

Suggested Citation

Fuentes-Bautista, Martha and Fuentes-Bautista, Martha, Mapping 'Diversity of Participation' in Networked Media Environments (November 1, 2012). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2191276 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2191276

Martha Fuentes-Bautista (Contact Author)

School of Public Policy ( email )

Amherst, MA 01003
United States

Department of Communication ( email )

650 North Pleasant Street
Integrative Learning Center
Amherst, MA 01003
United States
413-5453455 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://https://www.umass.edu/communication/people/profile/martha-fuentes-bautista

University of Massachusetts Amherst - National Center for Digital Government ( email )

Amherst, MA 01003
United States

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