small media symposium 2011 programme

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small media SYMPOSIUM 2011 8-9 April 2011 SchoolofOriental andAfricanStudies UniversityofLondon ThornhaughStreet RussellSquare LondonWC1H0XG

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The full programme for the Small Media Initiative's first conference, Small Media Symposium, held at SOAS, University of London on 8-9 April 2011.

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Page 1: Small Media Symposium 2011 programme

small mediaS Y M P O S I U M

20118-9 April 2011

�School�of�Oriental

and�African�StudiesUniversity�of�London

Thornhaugh�StreetRussell�Square

London�WC1H�0XG�

Page 2: Small Media Symposium 2011 programme

THE�SMALL�MEDIA�SYMPOSIUM�2011�IS�POSSIBLE�THANKS�TO�THE�GENEROUS�FINANCIAL�SUPPORT�OF��

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FOREWORDIn� August� 2010,� Wired� published� an� article� entitled� From� Samizdat to Twitter: How Technology is Making Censorship Irrelevant.� Is� it?� Indeed,�for�many,�samizdat�is�a�relic�from�the�distant�analog�past.�A�quick�glance�at� the� news� seems� to� suggest� that� we� are� living� in� the� digital� age� of�Twitter�revolutions.

The� role�played�by�social�media�platforms�such�as�Twitter,�Facebook�and�YouTube� in� contentious� politics� continues� to� be� passionately� debated� by�academics,� activists,� politicians� and� pundits.� While� there� are� plenty� of�examples�of�creative�new�politics,�the�recent�protests�in�Burma,�China,�Iran,�and�Egypt�remind�us�that�governments�can�simply�shut�communication�down.�The�question�then�becomes�where�do�we�go�after�moving�from�samizdat�to�Twitter?�What�alternative�channels�and�technologies�of�communication�can�facilitate� the� flow� of� information� when� authoritarian� regimes� flick� the� kill�switch�and�what�alternative�political�practices�can�we�invent�to�circumscribe�state�repression?

The�February�2011�events�in�Egypt�suggest�that�alternatives�can�be�as�low-tech�as�the�paper�leaflets�with�practical�and�tactical�advice�for�demonstrators�circulating�in�Cairo�or�as�high-tech�as�the�speak-to-tweet�application�that�lets� individuals� dial� a� phone� number� and� leave� (or� listen� to)� a� message�translated�to�text�on�a�Twitter�page.�

These� alternatives� we� call� small� media,� while� others� call� them�alternative� media,� participatory� media,� and� social� movement� media.�This�wide�range�of�communicative�and�political�practices�is�the�focus�of�the�Small Media Symposium 2011�at�which�we�would�like�to�welcome�you�on�behalf�of�the�Small�Media�Initiative�–�we�are�both�honored�and�excited�that�such�an�inspired�and�inspiring�group�of�people�have�come�together�in�London�today.

Mahmood�Enayat� � Klara�Chlupata

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� � � � � � �

PROGRAMME

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� � � � � � �

PROGRAMME

DAY 1: CONFERENCE (REGISTRATION REQUIRED)

FRIDAY�8�APRIL�2011KHALILI�LECTURE�THEATRE,�MAIN�BUILDING

830 – 915 REGISTRATION

915 – 920 WELCOME

920 – 1000 INTRODUCTORY�SESSION�� � UNDERSTANDING�SMALL�MEDIA

Annabelle�Sreberny,�Centre�for�Media�&�Film�Studies,�School�of�Oriental�and�African�Studies,�University�of�LondonOne size doesn’t fit all: Communications and face-to-face politics beyond Western democracies

John�Downing,�Global�Media�Research�Center,�Southern�Illinois�University�From 95 Theses to a Million Tweets: nano-media on the rise?

Patrick�McCurdy,�Erasmus�School�of�History,�Culture�and�Communication,�Erasmus�University�Rotterdam,�the�NetherlandsDoes size really matter? Media practices and theorising small media

1000 – 1130 SESSION�1�� � SMALL�MEDIA:�ALTERNATIVE�(PLAT)FORMS,��� � ALTERNATIVE�PRACTICES

Chair: Xiao�Qiang,�The�School�of�Information,�University�of�California,��Berkeley�&�China�Digital�Times

Panelists:Muneeb�Ali,�Princeton�University,�USADritte - Development through technology

Soe�Thiha,�VocalPressRural social media: Information ecosystem for the Base of the Pyramid via telephony voice

Pauline�Cheong,�Arizona�State�UniversityUnderstanding the cultural dialectics of small media as middle-ground resistance

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Michael�Rogers,�UCLBriar, a secure news and discussion system

Katrin�Verclas,�MobileActive.orgInnovations and barriers to alternative news channels via mobile in repressive environments

Respondent: Mahmood�Enayat,�Small�Media�Consultancy

1130 - 1145 COFFEE�BREAK

1145 - 1245 SESSION�2� � LESSONS�FOR/FROM�SMALL�MEDIA�� � IN�AFRICA

Chair: John�Barker,�Free�Expression�Associates

Panelists: Archippe�Yepmou,�Internet�Sans�FrontièresUnexpected use of small media during the post-electoral crisis in Côte d’Ivoire

Julie�Owono,�Global�Voices�The role of small media in the rising of Central African citizens: The example of Gabon �Grace�Githaiga,�Media,�Empowerment�and�Democracy�in�East�Africa�(MEDIeA)Community radio in Kenya: Achievements, challenges and prospects

Respondent: Iginio�Gagliardone,�Centre�of�Governance�and�Human�Rights,�University�of�Cambridge

1245 – 1345 LUNCH�(PROVIDED)

Page 7: Small Media Symposium 2011 programme

1345 – 1500 SESSION�3� � LESSONS�FOR/FROM�SMALL�MEDIA�IN�� � THE�MAGHREB�AND�THE�MIDDLE�EAST

Chair: Dina�Matar,�Centre�for�Media�&�Film�Studies,�School�of�Oriental��and�African�Studies,�University�of�London

Panelists:Hossein�Sharif,�Documentary�MakerSmall media and the Green Movement: Opportunities and challenges

Khaled�Koubaa,�Arab�World�Internet�Institute�Tunisia 2011: Supporting and covering the revolution

Nermeen�Sayed,�The�University�of�YorkActivists’ perceptions of social media for mobilisation�

Jacob�Sommer,�Department�of�Government,�Uppsala�UniversityThe construction of identities by the Libyan Youth Movement on Facebook

Respondent: Mohammed�Ibahrine,�American�University�of�Sharjah,�UAE

1500 – 1515 COFFEE�BREAK

1515 – 1630 SESSION�4� � SMALL�MEDIA:�RISKS�AND�VULNERABILITIES�

Chair: Gary�Garriott,�Internews�Network�

Panelists: Galina�Miazhevich,�University�of�Oxford,�UKRecent developments in post-Soviet small media

Amy�O’Donnell,�Frontline�SMSHow to strengthen and harness community networks: The role of radio, mobile and SMS

Sameer�Padania,�MacroscopeThe resilience of small media in the era of transparency and instant solidarity

Page 8: Small Media Symposium 2011 programme

George�Weyman,�Meedan��Small media and the dictator who didn’t give in: The risks of soliciting audio and video in repressive regimes

Respondent: Katrin�Verclas,�MobileActive.org

1630 – 1700 CLOSING�REMARKS

Annabelle�Sreberny,�Centre�for�Media�&�Film�Studies,�School�of�Oriental�and�African�Studies,�University�of�London�

1700 – 2000� DRINKS�RECEPTION

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DAY 2: CLOSED DOOR WORKSHOPS (BY INVITATION ONLY)

SATURDAY�9�APRIL�2011ROOM�G3,�MAIN�BUILDING

900 – 1000� NETWORKING�SESSION

1000 – 1130� SESSION�1� � SMALL�MEDIA�CONCEPTUALISATIONS

1130 – 1200� COFFEE�BREAK

1200 – 1330� SESSION�2� � SMALL�MEDIA�APPLICATIONS

1330 – 1430� LUNCH�BREAK

1430 – 1530� SESSION�3� � SMALL�MEDIA�COLLABORATIONS

1530 – 1700� SESSION�4� � SMALL�MEDIA�GAMES:�“LET�US�EAT�CAKE”�

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ABSTRACTS

Page 11: Small Media Symposium 2011 programme

INTRODUCTORY�SESSIONUNDERSTANDING�SMALL�MEDIA

Annabelle Sreberny, Centre for Media & Film Studies, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of LondonOne size doesn’t fit all: Communications and face-to-face politics beyond Western democracies

We�have�to�move�away�from�the�Washington�beltway�discourses�and�false�binaries�represented�by�Clay�Shirky�on�the�one�hand�and�Evgeny�Morozov�on�the�other:�small�media�are�neither�the�new�dawn�but�neither�are�they�false�idols.�Grounded�theory�as�to�the�particular�mix�of�circumstances�will�help� us� develop� better� understanding,� tools� and� policies� appropriate� to�specific�local�contexts.

There� is� an� important� link� between� face-to-face� politics� and� more�technologically-mediated�communication.�There�are�different� forms�of�repressive�states,�different�histories�of�political�action�and�differentiated�access� to� new� forms� of� communication,� from� internet� platforms� to�mobile�telephony.

Small�media�do�offer�immediacy�and�extensivity�like�few�channels�before;�but�new�forms�of�big�media,� like�Al�Jazeera,�continue�to�play�significant�roles�in�public�opinion�formation,�articulating�different�parts�of�the�world�to�each�other.�All�societies�are�now�mediated�but�not�all�in�the�same�way.�So�one�size,�one�solution,�doesn’t�fit�all.

John Downing, Global Media Research Center, Southern Illinois University From 95 Theses to a Million Tweets: nano-media on the rise?

Events� over� the� past� 2-3� years� in� Greece,� Iran,� Tunisia� and� Egypt� have�sharply� summoned� attention� to� nanomedia,� though� academic� research�interest� had� already� been� moving� quite� strongly� in� that� direction� for� a�while� (in� Latin� America� for� decades).� Nanomedia� themselves� go� back�centuries.� We� must� escape� the� conceptual� prison� that� sees� ‘media’� as�newspapers,� magazines,� cinema,� radio,� TV,� internet� and� mobile� phones�–� effectively� as� ‘things’� –� and� see� them� anthropologically,� as� socio-technical� institutions.� We� need� to� engage� with� the� human� body� as� a�speaking,� dancing,� singing,� tattooed� instrument� of� expression� –� with�graffiti,� murals,� painted� cars,� buses� and� trains,� public� art,� performance�art,� street� theatre� -� as� well� as� with� dress,� puppets,� banners,� arpilleras,�badges� -� together� with� ‘media’� as� conventionally� defined.� Then,� once�culturally�embedded�and�historicised,�nanomedia�can�have�their�multiple�significances�registered.

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Patrick McCurdy, Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the NetherlandsDoes size really matter? Media practices and theorising small media

The� paper� offers� a� broad� review� of� how� scholars� from� media� and�communications,� sociology� and� social� movement� studies� have� studied�the� relationship�between�social�movements�and�media.� It� argues� that�past�approaches� have� often� conceptualised� ‘big’� and� ‘small’� media� as� existing�in� separate�spheres�often�disconnected� from�each�other.�However,� the� rise�of� information� communication� technologies� (ICTs)� has� unquestionably�challenged�the�monopoly�of�power�held�by�mass�media.�It�has�provided�social�movements� with� an� alternate� means� for� mobilisation,� communication� and�representation.�The�rise�of�ICTs�has�also�reconfigured�the�contemporary�media�landscape� making� media� environmental� (Silverstone� 2007).� In� this� media�environment,�social�movement�actors�do�not�opt�solely�to�engage�with�only�‘old�media’�or�‘big’�media�or�use�only�‘new�media’�or�‘small’�media.�Instead,�the�tools�and�logics�of�all�available�media�inform�the�larger�‘practice’�of�activism.�Consequently,�this�paper�argues�that�a�key�premise�of�understanding�small�media�–�regardless�of�its�definition�–�is�to�view�media�as�an�environment�that�social�movement�actors�live�with,�in�and�through.�

SESSION�1SMALL�MEDIA:�ALTERNATIVE�(PLAT)FORMS,�ALTERNATIVE�PRACTICES�

Muneeb Ali, Princeton University, USADritte - Development through technology

In� this� talk,� Muneeb� will� give� an� overview� of� Dritte� –� a� research� initiative�whose�core�belief�is�that�technology,�used�in�the�appropriate�way,�can�have�a�profound�impact�on�global�development.�More�specifically,�he�will�talk�about�three�projects�a)�See’N’Report�-�a�platform�for�citizen�journalism,�b)�SMSall�-�a�SMS-based�group�communication�service,�and�c)�BitMate�-�a�peer-to-peer�file�sharing�system,�and�discuss�how�all�these�systems�are�designed�for�the�technological� constraints�of�developing� regions,�while� keeping� the�cultural�and�social�context�in�mind.�Finally,�Muneeb�will�discuss�why�there�isn’t�much�research�happening� in�the�area�of�technologies�for�developing�regions�and�offer�some�suggestions�for�improving�the�situation.�

Soe Thiha, VocalPressRural social media: Information ecosystem for the Base of the Pyramid via telephony voice

Social�media�has�become�an�integral�part�of�our�lives�and�we�have�seen�its�benefits.�Social�media�connects,�engages,�informs�and�empowers�us�in�many�interesting�ways.�How�do�we�bring�these�benefits�of�social�media�to�the�Base�of�the�Pyramid�–�the�semi-literate�2.5�billion�members�of�the�global�population�living�on� less�than�$2.5�per�day�with�basic�or�no�telecommunications?�This�talk�explores�the�potentials�of�rural�social�media�in�the�making.�

Page 13: Small Media Symposium 2011 programme

Pauline Cheong, Arizona State UniversityUnderstanding the cultural dialectics of small media as middle-ground resistance

Drawing� upon� multidisciplinary� research� on� terrorism,� rumours� and�online�civic�engagement,�this�paper�discusses�the�cultural�tensions�that�undergird�the�use�of�digital�media�as�‘weapons�of�the�weak’.�Subordinate�classes�enact�‘middle-ground�resistance’�since�they�can�rarely�engage�in�open� rebellion�yet� they� fight�back� in�prosaic�and�constant�struggles� to�their� minimum� disadvantage.� This� paper� examines� online� prosumption�(lay�consumption�and�production�of�texts)�and�transmediation�practices�whereby�stories�are�remediated,�and�virally�disseminated�across�different�lower� and� higher� tech� applications.� Innovative� appropriation� of� blogs,�vlogs,� podcasts� and� simple� home-made� digital� games� help� clarify� how�small�media�can�work� interactively,� even� facilitate�and�augment�citizen�engagement.� Drawing� from� English,� Chinese� and� Malay� data,� this�paper� illustrates� how� remix� texts� and� mash-ups� can� spread� quickly� as�memes�under�conditions�of� restricted�press� freedom�and�strong�media�regulations� in� Asia.� These� data� also� highlight� the� role� of� humour� and�satire�for�its�subversive�affordance�to�ridicule�traditional�authorities�and�offer�counter-narratives.�

Michael Rogers, UCLBriar, a secure news and discussion system

Surveillance,� censorship� and� manipulation� of� online� discourse� are�endemic� in� authoritarian� countries� around� the� world,� threatening� the�fundamental� freedoms� of� expression� and� association� that� are� vital� to�the� maintenance� of� civil� society.� The� Briar� project� is� building� a� secure�news� and� discussion� platform� that� will� enable� journalists,� activists� and�civil� society� groups� in� authoritarian� countries� to� communicate� without�fear� of� government� interference.� Whereas� existing� circumvention� tools�only�address�one�aspect�of�authoritarian�control�of�the�internet,�namely�filtering� at� national� borders,� the� Briar� project� takes� a� new� approach�that�also�addresses�content�deletion,�denial-of-service�attacks,�and� the�monitoring�and�intimidation�of�activists.

Katrin Verclas, MobileActive.orgInnovations and barriers to alternative news channels via mobile in repressive environments

Katrin�will�present�findings�from�recent�field�research�and�surveys�on�how�mobiles�are�being�used�to�transmit�information�and�media,�and�perceptions�of�mobile�security�by�democracy�activists�in�several�countries.�

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SESSION�2LESSONS�FOR/FROM�SMALL�MEDIA�IN�AFRICA

Archippe Yepmou, Internet Sans FrontièresUnexpected use of small media during the post-electoral crisis in Côte d’Ivoire

Since�the�beginning�of�the�2011�election�crisis� in�Côte�d’Ivoire,�new�media�are�being�used�by�the�two�belligerent�political�camps�and�their�supporters.�What�analysis�can�be�made�of�this�online�participation?�For�instance,�why�is� Laurent� Gbagbo’s� rhetoric� more� efficient� on� Facebook� while� Allassane�Ouattara’s�is�more�efficient�on�Twitter?�Many�videos�and�testimonies�of�the�current� violence� have� been� shared� online.� What� can� be� done� with� these�specific�sources?�

Julie Owono, Global Voices The role of small media in the rising of Central African citizens: The example of Gabon

Since� 25� January� 2011,� the� central� African� Republic� of� Gabon� has� been�facing�political� turmoil.�Despite� the� lack�of�coverage� in� traditional�media,�Global�Voices�Online�closely�followed�the�events�in�Gabon�through�a�special�coverage�page.�The�presentation�aims�to�show�the�extent�to�which�the�use�of�small�media�has�been�successful�at�starting�a�movement� for�change� in�the�country.

Grace Githaiga, Media, Empowerment and Democracy in East Africa (MEDIeA)Community radio in Kenya: Achievements, challenges and prospects

Community� radio� stations� in� Kenya� have� been� experiencing� slow� growth�and�development.�This�is�despite�the�fact�that�Kenya�is�the�home�of�the�first�form�of�a�community�radio�station�in�Africa�–�Homa�Bay�Community�Radio�on�the�shores�of�Lake�Victoria.��Many�factors�have�been�attributed�to�this�haziness�and�lots�of�efforts�have�been�expended�to�overcome�it.�Yet,�the�collective�state�of�community�radio�in� Kenya� is� still� too� unwell� to� sustain� itself� or� to� support� the� growth� of�others.�Their�engagement�with�mobile�phones�has�allowed�for�more�voices,�but�again�their�audiences�are�those�who�struggle�with�whether�to�call�the�stations,�or�to�spare�the�resources�for�other�life�requirements.�

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SESSION�3LESSONS�FOR/FROM�SMALL�MEDIA�IN�THE�MAGHREB�AND�THE�MIDDLE�EAST

Hossein Sharif, Documentary MakerSmall media and the Green Movement: Opportunities and challenges

If�there�was�one�thing�that�we�learned�from�our�experience�of�creating�small�media�in�the�last�presidential�election�in�Iran,�it�was�that�a�truly�viral�media�package�will�take�hold�of�its�own�dissemination.�That�in�small�media,�much�like�traditional�media,�content�is�king�and�if�you�manage�to�create�something�that�deserves�to�be�seen,�the�audience�themselves�will�find�it.�The�question�is�how�do�you�manage�to�do�that?�What�are�the�defining�qualities�of�social�movement�media?�Looking�back�at�what�we�made�in�the�course�of�the�last�election� in� Iran,�and�by�analysing�what�worked�and�what�didn’t,� I�will� talk�about�some�of�those�qualities.�

Khaled Koubaa, Arab World Internet Institute Tunisia 2011: Supporting and covering the revolution

Tunisia�is�a�small�country�and�a�great�nation.�Tunisia�is�the�first�Arab�country�to�kick�out�its�dictator�and�this�without�the�help�of�any�foreign�nation!�Tunisia�is�the�first�country�in�the�world�to�use�the�Internet�and�new�social�media�to�succeed�in�its�revolution.�On�Friday� 14� January�2011,� I�was�part�of� the�huge�crowd�of�protesters� in�front�of�the�Ministry�of�Interior�and�I�witnessed�brave�people�clearly�asking�their�dictator� to� leave.�Since� then�Tunisians�have� taken�back� the� freedom�lost�many�years�ago�and�have�embarked�on�a�road�of� interesting�politics.�Young�people�went�on�the�street�asking�for�more�and�more�social�change�without�having�been�politically�coached.��I�have�been�part�of�the�strength�of�the�‘real’�Tunisian�internet�community�to�use� internet�and�Web�2.0�(blogs,�video,�Facebook,�Twitter,�…�)�to�support�the�revolution�and�everyday�riots�by�showing�the�world�what�is�happening�due�to�a�lack�of�official�local�media�coverage.

Nermeen Sayed, The University of YorkActivists’ perceptions of social media for mobilisation

The�role�that�social�media�could�play�in�engaging�people�in�the�democratic�process� has� recently� gained� more� attention� following� the� series� of� mass�protests� and� revolutions� that� has� swept� the� Arab� region� starting� with�Tunisia,�then�emulated�in�Egypt,�and�now�taking�place�in�Libya.�It�has�been�argued�that�those�revolutions�were�linked�–�at�least�in�the�preliminary�stages�–�to�the�active�use�of�social�networking�sites�such�as�Facebook�and�Twitter.�This�article�attempts� to�shed� light�on� these�assertions�by� reporting�some�

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early� observations� from� a� study� which� was� conducted� immediately� prior�to� the� revolution� in� Egypt.� In� particular� it� explores� the� young� activists’�perceptions� of� the� potential� of� social� media� for� mobilising� activism� in�authoritarian�regimes.�This�paper�relies�on�a�survey�of�a�snowball�sample�of�young�Egyptian�activists�along�with�focus�group�discussions�(FGD)�to�seek�answers� to� questions� about� contextual� factors� such� as� media� skepticism,�political� efficacy,� and� fear� of� authority� which� are� expected� to� relate� to�social�media�motivations�and�users’� tendencies� to�engage� in�politics.�The�findings�indicate�that�young�activists�were�mainly�driven�by�guidance�and�surveillance�needs�in�their�political�utilisation�of�social�networking�sites.�A�strong�positive�correlation�between�online�and�offline�political�participation�was�also�detected.

Jacob Sommer, Department of Government, Uppsala UniversityThe Construction of Identities by the Libyan Youth Movement on Facebook

The� paper� provides� weight� to� the� growing� academic� literature� using�discourse� analysis� to� uncover� the� identities� of� actors� in� the� field� of�international� relations.� Following� the� methodological� and� philosophy�of� science� perspectives� of� Constructivist� authors� like� Ted� Hopf� and�Alexander� Wendt,� the� authors� conduct� an� expedited� but� nevertheless�revealing� analysis� of� the� discourses� manifested� in� 45� randomly� selected�images�posted�by�the�author(s)�of�the�Libyan�Youth�Movement’s�Facebook�page.�By�collectively�analysing�the�discourses�presented�in�these�images�the� authors� are� able� to� construct� identities� for� the� LYM� and� therefore�make�predictions�about�its�goals,�perceptions�and�intentions.�The�paper’s�findings�can�be�used�by�decision�makers�in�order�to�make�more�informed�policy� choices� about� how� to� best� engage� with� non-state� actors� like� the�movements�sweeping�across�the�Middle�East�today.�

SESSION�4SMALL�MEDIA:�RISKS�AND�VULNERABILITIES�

Galina Miazhevich, University of Oxford, UKRecent developments in post-Soviet small media

Whilst� the� economic-political� aspect� of� the� transformations� which�took� place� following� the� fall� of� the� Berlin� Wall� has� been� extensively�explored,� the� role� of� the� media,� which� have� become� a� leading� force� in�the� transformation� process,� has� yet� to� receive� a� full� assessment.� Some�former� Eastern� bloc� countries� have� seen� their� media� systems� actively�engaged�in�facilitating�democratization�and�the�fostering�of�civil�society.�However,�in�others�–�Belarus�being�one�of�the�most�vivid�examples�–�the�same�instruments�have�been�used�to�support�and�promote�authoritarian�political�systems.�This�distinction�raises�questions�about�the�transferability�and�applicability�of�western�concepts�of�democracy�and�media�freedom�

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to�the�post-communist�context.�The�goal�of�this�study� is�two-fold:� 1)�to�evaluate� small� media’s� role� in� generating� a� counter-hegemonic� public�sphere� in� the� region�and�2)� to�unpack� their�uniquely�multi-dimensional�nature�in�the�post-Soviet�cultural�setting.

Amy O’Donnell, Frontline SMSHow to strengthen and harness community networks: The role of radio, mobile and SMS

FrontlineSMS:Radio� is� working� with� community� stations� to� discover�how� combining� radio� with� mobile� phone� technology� serves� to� engage�and� mobilise� listening� audiences.� Radio� represents� the� dominant� media�source� for� many� and� it� represents� a� vital� outreach� particularly� for� rural�communities;� however� this� type� of� communications� remains� mostly� one�way.� � By� introducing� FrontlineSMS� technology,� an� increasing� number� of�stations�have�been�able�to�receive�and�manage�SMS�messages�on� issues�such�as�health,�governance�and� the�environment.� �FrontlineSMS:Radio� is�uniquely� partnered� with� the� Cambridge� Centre� for� Governance� and�Human� Rights� in� this� venture� and� academic� study� will� form� an� intrinsic�part� of� the� deployment� process.� Research� will� monitor� how� new�communication� technologies� are� integrated� into� local� communications�and�how�they�contribute�to�innovative�forms�of�governance�and�political�participation.�SMS�is�inherently�open�to�monitoring,�with�vulnerabilities�at�several�points�during� the� journey�of�a� text�message,�not� to�mention� the�trail�it�leaves.�This�presentation�will�allude�to�these�issues�before�discussing�the�building�and�harnessing�of�community�radio�networks.

Sameer Padania, MacroscopeThe resilience of small media in the era of transparency and instant solidarity

Small� media� -� especially� bloggers� and� Twitter� users� -� have� played� a�critical�role�in�information�flows�and�building�international�solidarity�in�recent�global�events.� �Despite,�or�perhaps�because�of� this,� individuals�using� these� platforms� in� human� rights� or� activism� contexts� in� some�countries�can�become�vulnerable�for�a�variety�of�reasons�-�e.g.�because�of�the�online�traces�their�activities�leave,�their�content�is�taken�down�or�expired,�or�they’re�the�subject�of�online�attacks.��This�discussion�will�focus�on�what�vulnerabilities�are�faced�by�those�creating�and�participating�in�small� media� of� this� kind,� how� they� might� become� more� resilient,� and�how�major�technology�providers,�funders,�NGOs�and�policy-makers�can�make� the� overall� technology� and� policy� environment� safer� and� more�protective�towards�them.

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George Weyman, Meedan Small media and the dictator who didn’t give in: The risks of soliciting audio and video in repressive regimes

When� Egyptian� President� Hosni� Mubarak� turned� off� the� internet� in� a�desperate,� and� ultimately� futile,� attempt� to� hold� on� to� power,� American�web� companies� Google� and� Twitter� were� quick� to� respond,� releasing� a�tool� allowing� protesters� on� the� ground� to� post� voice� messages� to� the�microblogging� service� simply� by� dialling� an� international� phone� line.���The�initiative,�called�Speak2Tweet,�was�an�instant�hit,�offering�a�powerful�way�for�people�around�the�world�to�hear�Egyptian�voices�from�the�ground.�But�what�are�the�risks�of�soliciting�media�in�this�way�and�were�users�of�the�service�made�aware�of�them?�In�our�rush�to�publish,�do�we�unwittingly�put�those�we�seek�to�support�in�danger?�In�exploring�these�issues,�George�will�argue�that�if�the�web�is�really�’social’�we�have�to�learn�both�empathy�and�awareness�when�soliciting�media�and�forging�new�projects.

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BIOS

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MUNEEB�ALIMuneeb�Ali�is�a�PhD�student�at�Princeton�University.�Before�moving�to�the�Computer�Science�Department�at�Princeton�in�2008,�he�worked�as�research�staff� at� TU� Delft,� the� Netherlands.� Earlier,� he� was� a� visiting� researcher� at�Stanford� University� (summer� 2007)� and� SICS,� Sweden� (fall� 2005).� He� is�interested�in�large-scale�networked�systems,�wireless�and�sensor�networks,�and�systems�for�developing�regions.�He�co-founded�the�ACM�Workshop�on�Networked�Systems�for�Developing�Regions�(NSDR),�and�has�served�as�the�Program�Chair�for�NSDR.�

JOHN�BARKERJohn�Barker�is�Chief�Executive�and�founder�of�Free�Expression�Associates.�Founded� in� 2010,� Free� Expression� Associates� is� an� independent,� for�profit�organisation�committed�to�solving�critical�challenges�restricting�or�abusing�freedom�of�expression�and�to�building�the�capacity�of�individuals,�communities� and� organisations� to� secure� and� promote� freedom� of�expression.� John� has� over� 30� years� of� experience� working� on� advocacy�and� human� rights� issues,� with� extensive� experience� in� media� freedom�and� freedom�of�expression� in�Africa.�John�has�wide-ranging�expertise� in�media�pluralism�and�diversity,�with�a�good�knowledge�of�the�community/alternative� media� sector.� John� has� developed� and� delivered� numerous�advocacy� actions� including,� the� adoption� and� promotion� of� the� African Charter on Broadcasting,� the� Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa� and� the� drafting� and� consultation� process� for� the�media�policy�framework�for�Southern�Sudan.

PAULINE�HOPE�CHEONGPauline�Hope�Cheong�(PhD,�University�of�Southern�California)�is�Associate�Professor� of� Communication,� at� the� Hugh� Downs� School� of� Human�Communication� at� Arizona� State� University.� She� is� currently� co-leading� a�multidisciplinary�project�on�extremist�narratives�and�is�co-author�of�Explosive Narratives: Islamist Extremism & the role of Rumors in Strategic Influence (forthcoming;� Rutgers� University� Press).� She� is� also� the� lead� co-editor�of� two� volumes;� Digital Religion, Social Media and Culture: Perspectives, Practices, Futures� and� New Media and Intercultural Communication: Identity, Community and Politics.�She�has�presented�more�than�50�papers�at�international�conferences�and�has�published�in�leading�journals�on�culture�and� communication� technologies,� including� New Media and Society, The Information Society, Information, Communication and Society, Bulletin of Science and Society, M/C Journal: A Journal of Media and Culture, Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, Journal of International and Intercultural Communication, American Behavioral Scientist and Journal of Communication.�

JOHN�D.H.�DOWNINGJohn� D.H.� Downing� is� most� recently� editor� of� the� Encyclopedia of Social Movement Media� (Sage�Publications,�2011).�He� is�author�of�Radical Media�

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(South�End�Press� 1984,�and� in�2001�a�substantially� revised�and�expanded�edition�for�Sage�Publications).�He�is�co-editor�with�Mojca�Pajnik�of�Alternative Media and the Politics of Resistance�(Mirovni�Inštitut,�Ljubljana,�2008).�He�also�wrote�‘Audiences�and�readers�of�alternative�media’�(Media, Culture & Society�25.5,�2003),� ‘Activist�media,�civil�society�and�social�movements’,� in�Wilma�De�Jong�and�others’�Global Activism, Global Media�(Pluto�Press,�2005),�and�‘Social�movement�theories�and�alternative�media’�(Communication, Culture & Critique�1.1,�2008).�He�is�emeritus�professor�and�founding�director,�Global�Media� Research� Center,� College� of� Mass� Communication� and� Media� Arts,�Southern� Illinois� University.� In� Spring� 2011� he� serves� as� Fulbright� Visiting�Professor� at� Helsinki� and� Tampere� Universities,� and� 2011-2012� Affiliate�Professor,�Information�&�Media�Studies,�Århus�University.

MAHMOOD�ENAYATMahmood�Enayat�is�an�Iran�researcher�at�Oxford�Internet�Institute,�where�he�studies�state�censorship�and�control�of�the�Internet,�online�political�discourse�and�collective�action�in�Persian�cyberspace.�He�is�the�director�of�Small�Media�Consultancy�(SMC),�which�focuses�on�media�development�projects�for�Iran.�SMC�designs�and�implements�both�practical�and�research�projects.�IGINIO�GAGLIARDONEIginio� Gagliardone’s� research� focuses� on� the� role� new� media� and�communication� play� in� promoting� innovative� forms� of� governance� and�political�participation� in�Africa.�Prior� to� joining� the�Centre�of�Governance�and�Human�Rights�at�the�University�of�Cambridge,�he�worked�for�UNESCO�in�Addis�Ababa,�coordinating�programs�for�the�use�of�ICTs�for�development,�and� for� the�Stanhope�Centre� for�Communication�Policy�Research.�Among�his� latest� projects� are� research� to� understand� the� implications� of� China’s�increasing� involvement� in� the� media� in� Africa� and� the� coordination� of�the� collection� of� public� opinions� in� Darfur� as� a� way� to� develop� a� better�understanding�of�the�conflict�and�support�the�peace�process.�He�completed�his�PhD�at�the�London�School�of�Economics� investigating�the�relationship�between�ICTs�and�nation�building.�He�is�also�an�Associate�of�the�Centre�for�Global�Communication�Studies�at�the�Annenberg�School�of�Communication,�University�of�Pennsylvania.�

GARY�GARRIOTTGary�Garriott�is�the�Director�of�ICT�Programs�at�Internews�Network.�Previously�he� was� the� Director� of� the� Digital� Futures� for� Development� Program� at�Winrock� International.� � He� has� been� involved� in� the� fields� of� international�development,� information� and� communication� technology,� strategy� and�policy�development�for�more�than�30�years.� �He�has�provided�analysis�and�consultation�on�renewable�energy�technologies,�communications�technologies�and� strategic� planning� to� USAID,� the� United� Nations� (UNDP,� UNICEF)� and�many�NGOs�and�private�philanthropies.�While�he�has�worked�throughout�Asia�and�Africa,�much�of�his�‘on�the�ground�experience’�is�in�Latin�America�where�he�has� lived�for�about�ten�years� in�various�countries,�beginning�as�a�Peace�

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Corps� Volunteer� in� Ecuador.� Gary� holds� a� doctorate� in� Social� Technology�from�the�Union� Institute�&�University,�a�Masters�of�Environmental�Arts�and�Sciences�from�the�University�of�Wisconsin-Green�Bay,�and�a�Bachelors�degree�in�Electrical�Engineering�from�Valparaiso�University�(Indiana).�

GRACE�GITHAIGAGrace� Githaiga is� currently� affiliated� to� the� Media,� Empowerment� and�Democracy� in� East� Africa� (MEDIeA)� Research� Programme.� She� is� also� an�associate�of�Freedom�of�Expression�Associates.�She�is�the�immediate�former�President�of� the�African�Chapter�of� the�World�Association�of�Community�Broadcasters� (AMARC),� and� a� former� Director� of� EcoNews� Africa.� Her�interests�are�in�the�area�of�media�and�ICT�policy.�MOHAMMED�IBAHRINEMohammed�Ibahrine�(PhD)�is�an�Assistant�Professor�in�the�Department�of�Mass�Communication�at�the�American�University�of�Sharjah�(AUS),�United�Arab�Emirates.�Before�coming� to�AUS� in�2009,�he�served�as�an�Assistant�Professor�at�Al�Akhawayn�University�in�Ifrane�(AUI),�Morocco.�He�was�also�Scholar�at�Residence�at�Johnson�County�Community�College�in�Kansas�City,�USA� in�2009.�He�served�as�a� lecturer�at� the�Universities�of�Hamburg�and�Erfurt,�Germany.��Ibahrine�worked�in�many�scientific�and�consulting�projects�for� institutions� such� as� Deutsche� Orient� Stiftung,� Frankfurter� Allgemeine�Zeitung� Institut,� Hans-Bredow-Institut,� Deutsche� Welle,� Goethe� Institute,�GTZ,� British� Foreign� and� Commonwealth� Office,� the� ECSSR,� International�Telecommunications�Union,�British�Council,�European�Parliament,�UNESCO�and�Open�Society.�Ibahrine�is�the�author�of�New Media and Neo-Islamism. Currently�he� is�working�on�a�new�book,�Communication Technologies and Socio-political Change in the Arab World.� His� main� research� interests� are�in� the� areas� of� 20Cs:�eConomy,� Commerce,� Competition,� Cooperation,�Collaboration,� �Copyright,� Cybersecurity,� Censorship,� Control,� Computer,�Connectivity,� Companies,� Consumers,� Clients,� Communities,� Cities,�Countries,�Creativity,�Content,�Culture.�

KHALED�KOUBAAKhaled�Koubaa�is�a�social�entrepreneur�and�independent�consultant�working�for�the�non-profit�and�government�sector�in�the�Arab�and�African�region.�He�provides�strategic�direction� to�organisations�and�corporate�executives�on�how�to�choose,� implement�and�use�new�media�and� internet� tools.�Khaled�entered�the�internet�landscape�in�1997.�He�has�been�involved�with�Internet�Society�since�2005,�and�he�participates�actively�within�WSIS�structures.�He�founded� the� Internet� Society� chapter� in� Tunisia� and� serves� as� president.�He� is� assisting� in� the� creation� of� the� Arab� Internet� Societies� union.� He� is�member� of� the� Jury� of� the� Alsabah� ICT� Award,� member� of� the� Tunisian�Jury� WIF2008� (Webdesign� International� Festival).� He� is� regularly� at� the�ICANN�meeting�as�the�Tunisian�At-Large�Structure�and�many�other�events�related�to�the�Internet.�He�was�appointed�to�represent�the�African�region�in�the�ICANN�Nomination�Committee.�He�also�serves�as�one�of�Public�Interest�

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Registry’s� (PIR)� Advisory� Council� members.� He� is� the� founder� and� Board�Director�of� the�Arab�World� Internet� Institute,�a�US�based�non-profit,�non-governmental�regional�organisation�committed�to�independent�research�on�the�internet�in�the�Arab�World.�Khaled�was�elected�in�2009�as�Board�member�of� the� Internet� Society.� He� was� also� elected� in� 2010� a� Board� Member� of�AfriNIC.�He�earned�his�Bachelor’s�degree�in�management�from�High�School�of�Commerce,�Tunisia�and�a�Masters�degree� in�electronic�commerce� from�the�High�School�of�Electronic�Commerce.�He�has�also�completed�an�Internet�Governance�Capacity�Building�Program�with�the�Diplo�Foundation.

DINA�MATARDina�Matar�is�lecturer�in�Arab�media�and�International�Political�Communication�at�the�Centre�for�Media�and�Film�Studies�at�the�School�of�Oriental�and�African�Studies.� Before� turning� to� academia,� she� was� a� foreign� correspondent�and�editor�covering�the�Middle�East,�Europe�and�Africa�with�various�news�agencies.�Dina’s�research�covers�cultural�politics,�the�state,�Islamist�politics�and�gender�issues�in�the�Middle�East.�She�is�currently�working�on�Hizbullah’s�communication� and� cultural� strategies� and� on� rethinking� the� relationship�between�the�Arab�state�and�culture.�She� is�a�co-editor�of� the� journal�The Middle East Journal of Culture and Communication.� She� has� published�journal�and�book�articles�on� the�Palestinian�diaspora� in�Britain�and�news,�cultural� politics,�Arab�women� and�media,� and�Hizbullah� and� is� a�member�of� a� number� of� international� organisations,� including� IAMCR,� ICA,� MESA,�the�War�and�Media�Group�and� the�Royal� Institute�of� International�Affairs.��Dina�is�the�author�of�What it means to be Palestinian: Stories of Palestinian Peoplehood,�published�by�I�B�Tauris�(October�2010).

PATRICK�MCCURDYPatrick�McCurdy�(PhD)� is�Assistant�Professor� in� the�Department�of�Media�and� Communication�at�Erasmus�University� Rotterdam.�His� research� focus�and� interests�cover�media�protest�and�spectacle,�the�media�practices�and�strategies�of�social�movement�actors.�Patrick�received�his�PhD�in�2009�from�the� Department� of� Media� and� Communications� at� the� London� School� of�Economics�and�Political�Science�(LSE)�for�his�dissertation�entitled�I Predict a Riot – Mediation and Political Contention: Dissent!’s media practices at the 2005 Gleneagles G8 Summit.�Between�2004�and�2009�Patrick�was�also�a�Research�Associate�with�the�BBC�World�Service�Trust.

GALINA�MIAZHEVICHGalina� Miazhevich� is� the� Gorbachev� Media� Research� Fellow� at� Christ�Church,�University�of�Oxford,�UK.�She�is�also�an�associate�of�the�Rothermere�American�Institute�and�of�the�Reuters�Institute�for�Journalism,�University�of�Oxford.�Galina� is�working�on�several�projects�dealing�with�(i)�mass-media�representations� of� terrorism� and� discourse� of� ‘security� threat’,� (ii)� the�interaction�between�‘new’�and�‘old’�media�in�post-communist�societies�and�(iii)� issues�of�press� freedom� in�post-Soviet�media�(using�the�treatment�of�inter-ethnic�cohesion�as�a�case�study).�

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AMY�O’DONNELLAmy� O’Donnell� is� the� Media� Project� Manager� at� FrontlineSMS,� an� award-winning�free,�open�source�software�that�turns�a�laptop�and�a�mobile�phone�into�a�central�communications�hub.�It�enables�users�to�send�and�receive�text�messages� with� groups� of� people� through� mobile� phones.� Amy� primarily�focuses�her�efforts�on�the�use�of�this�software�in�the�context�of�community�radio� stations.� Previously� she� worked� at� the� Unrepresented� Nations� and�Peoples�Organisation,�where�she�supported�minority�groups�and�indigenous�communities�to�develop�human�rights�campaigns�and�access�international�fora.��While�studying�Human�Rights�at�University�College�London,�she�developed�an�interest�in�migration�and�the�rights�of�the�internally�displaced,�particularly�in�the�Great�Lakes�region.�Previously,�Amy�has�also�worked�at�the�humanitarian�organisation�Action�Against�Hunger�and�Amnesty�International.�

JULIE�OWONOJulie� Owono� is� a� Cameroonian� citizen� living� in� Paris.� She� holds� a�postgraduate�degree� in� International�Law� from� the�Sorbonne�Law�School.�Julie�is�a�consultant�in�International�Relations�interested�in�issues�related�to�development�and�governance�in�Africa�and�ICT4D.�She�grew�up�in�Moscow�and�worked�at�the�International�Organisation�for�Migration�in�Lao�People’s�Democratic�Republic.�

SAMEER�PADANIASameer�Padania��runs�Macroscope,�a�research,�policy�and�advocacy�consultancy�working�on�the�future�of�human�rights,�media�and�technology.� �From�2006�to� 2010,� he� worked� for� the� human� rights� organisation� WITNESS� in� New�York,� running� the� Hub,� the� world’s� first� website� dedicated� to� human� rights�video,� prior� to� which� he� worked� at� Panos� London� for� six� years� to� support�and�strengthen�radio�and�online� journalism�in�the�developing�world.�He�has�published� policy� reports� about� the� internet’s� impact� on� the� human� rights�landscape,�on�British�public�interest�media�and�on�local�radio�and�journalism�in�Africa,�and�has�also�worked�as�a�documentary�researcher�and�film�writer.��He�is�on�the�board�of�New�York-based�archaeology�foundation�Archaeos.

XIAO�QIANGXiao�Qiang�is�the�founder�and�Editor-in-Chief�of�China Digital Times,�a�bi-lingual�China�news�website,�and�an�adjunct�professor�at�the�Graduate�School�of�Journalism,�University�of�California�at�Berkeley.�He� is�also�the�Principle�Investigator�of�the�Counter-Power�Lab,�an�interdisciplinary�faculty-student�research�group�focusing�on�the�intersection�of�social�media,�digital�activism�and�internet�freedom,�based�in�the�School�of�Information,�UC�Berkeley.�Xiao�is� a� recipient� of� the� MacArthur� Fellowship� in� 2001,� and� is� profiled� in� the�book�Soul Purpose: 40 People Who Are Changing the World for the Better�(Melcher�Media,�2003).�

MICHAEL�ROGERSMichael� Rogers� is� a� software� developer� who� recently� completed� a� PhD� in�censorship-resistant�communication�systems�at�UCL.

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NERMEEN�SAYEDNermeen�Sayed is�a�PhD�researcher�of�communication�studies�at�the�University�of� York,� UK,� and� was� Assistant� Lecturer� at� Ain-Shams� University� in� Cairo�and�Modern�Sciences�and�Arts�(MSA)�University�validated�by�the�Middlesex�&� Greenwich� Universities� in� the� UK.� She� currently� coordinates� the� ‘Annual�Doctoral�Symposium�on�Arab�and�Muslim�Media�Research’�organised�by�the�University�of�Northampton,�UK.�Her�research�interests�are�mainly�focused�on�the�uses�and�impact�of�new�media�technologies�and�political�communication.�

HOSSEIN�SHARIFHossein�Sharif� is�an� Iranian� journalist�and�documentary�maker.� In�2008,�he�wrote�and�directed�a�documentary�series�on� the�history�of�American�wars�entitled�War: American Style.�His�feature�documentary,�Trinity: the Scientist, the Politician and the Bomb�won�the�Grand�Avini�Award�in�Tehran�in�2009.�In�that�same�year,�he�and�his�colleagues�received�multiple�awards,�including�the�Grierson�Award,�the�Peabody�Award�and�the�One�World�Media�Award�for�Iran and the West,�in�which�he�was�co-director�and�co-producer�of�the�Iran�unit.�In�the�last�presidential�election�in�Iran,�he�led�a�small�team�of�young�journalists�creating�a�widely�popular�series�of�short�promotional�clips�and�animations�for�the�opposition�candidate,�Mir�Hossein�Musavi.�The�clips,�which�became�a�hit�upon�their�release,�were�only�distributed�through�non-traditional�means�and�relied�on�their�audience�for�their�propagation.

JACOB�SOMMERJacob�Sommer�studies�International�Studies�and�Political�Science�at�Uppsala�University�in�Sweden�where�he�is�enrolled�in�the�School�of�Government’s�masters�program.�His�research�interests�include�foreign�policy,�the�role�of�traditional�and�new�media�in� international�relations,�and�Latin�American�politics.�He�is�currently�writing�a�paper�which�seeks�to�provide�greater�quantitative�analysis�of�the�role�played�by�new�media�in�inciting�political�revolutions.�

ANNABELLE�SREBERNYAnnabelle�Sreberny�is�the�Director�of�the�Centre�for�Media�and�Film�Studies�at�SOAS�and�the�chair�of�the�new�Centre�for�Iranian�Studies.�She�is�also�the�president� of� the� International� Association� for� Media� and� Communication�Research.�Her�book�Small Media, Big Revolution: Communication, Culture and the Iranian Revolution,�co-authored�with�Ali�Mohammadi,�focuses�on�events�over�thirty�years�ago.�Her�recent�volume,�Blogistan: The Internet and Politics in Iran,�co-authored�with�Gholam�Khiabany,�provides�background�to�the�June�2009�emergence�of�the�Green�Movement�in�Iran.

SOE�THIHASoe�Thiha�has�served�various�roles� in�community�and�advocacy�projects� in�Burma� and� Cambodia.� He� has� personally� experienced� lack� of� information�and� access.� With� VocalPress,� he� hopes� to� serve� the� information� needs� of�the�Base�of�the�Pyramid.�He�believes�that�easy�access�to�timely�and�relevant�information� is�essential� for� informing,�engaging�and�empowering�citizens�–�the�very�basis�of�democratic�societies.

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KATRIN�VERCLASKatrin� Verclas� is� the� co-founder� and� editor� of� MobileActive.org,� a� global�network� of� practitioners� using� mobile� phones� for� social� impact.� Katrin� is�currently� working� on� mobile� projects� in� governance,� accountability,� and�political�participation� in�emerging�democracies.�She� is�also� leading�a� team�focused�on�mobile�security�tools.�A�native�of�Germany,�she�has�written�widely�on� mobile� phones� in� citizen� participation� and� civil� society� organisations,�mobile�phones�in�health�and�for�development.�She�has�led�several�non-profit�organisations,� including� as� the� Executive� Director� of� NTEN:� The� Nonprofit�Technology� Network,� the� national� association� of� IT� professionals� working�in� the�more� than�one�million�non-profit�organisations� in� the�United�States.�Previously�she�served�as�a�program�officer�at�the�Proteus�Fund,�focusing�on�the�use�of�technology�in�civic�and�democratic�participation,�and�in�government�transparency.�She�is�the�editor�of�Managing Technology to Meet Your Mission,�published�by�Wiley�&�Sons.�She�is�a�frequent�speaker�on�ICTs�in�civil�society�at�national�and�international�conferences�and�has�published�numerous�articles�and� publications� on� technology� for� social� change� in� leading� popular� and�industry�publications.�She�was�a�2009�TED�Fellow,�a�2010�fellow�at�the�MIT�Media� Lab,� was� named� by� Fast� Company� as� one� of� the� most� � ‘Influential�Women�in�Tech’�in�2011.

GEORGE�WEYMANGeorge�Weyman�is�a�project�manager�of�the�Nurani�project�at�Meedan,�a�digital�initiative�to�build�opportunities�for�inter-religious�discussion�and�scholarship�on�the�web.�Before�that�he�worked�as�Community�and�Partner�Manager�for�Meedan’s� cross-language� citizen� dialogue� platform,� news.meedan.net.� He�was�formerly�editor�of�the�e-journal�Arab Media & Society�at�the�American�University� in�Cairo�and�a� researcher�on�Middle�East�media�at� the�London-based�media�development�charity�Panos.�He�has�an�MPhil�in�Modern�Middle�Eastern�Studies�from�the�University�of�Oxford�and�has�also�worked�for�various�news�organisations,�including�the�AP,�ITN�and�Kamera.��

ARCHIPPE�YEPMOUArchippe�Yepmou�is�a�Paris-based�consultant�who�has�been�working�on�ICT�business�and�information�strategies�for�5�years.�He�graduated�in�International�Law�from�the�Sorbonne�Law�School.�Born�and�raised�in�Cameroon,�Archippe�is�the�co-founder�and�vice-president�of�Internet�Sans�Frontières,�an�organisation�which�promotes� the�circulation�of�political� and�citizen� information�on�new�media,�and�provides�education�about�the�use�of�ICTs.�He�has�coordinated�and�participated� in�activists’� as�well� as�online� journalists’� advocacy�campaigns,�notably�in�Francophone�Africa.�He�has�also�advised�dissident�political�groups,�and�civil�society�organisations�on�the�use�of�ICTs�in�this�region.�

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THE�SMALL�MEDIA�INITIATIVE�WOULD�LIKE�TO�THANK�ITS�PARTNERS�FOR�THEIR�SUPPORT:

INTERNEWS�EUROPE

CENTRE�FOR�MEDIA�AND�FILM�STUDIES,�SCHOOL�OF�ORIENTAL�AND�AFRICAN�STUDIES,UNIVERSITY�OF�LONDON�INDEX�ON�CENSORSHIP

INTERNATIONAL�ASSOCIATION�FOR�MEDIA�AND�COMMUNICATION�RESEARCH

Design,�Illustration�and�Photography:�Brett�Biedscheid�

www.statetostate.co.uk

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