The futures workshops identified concerns regarding diminishing arenas for public deliberation, the marginalisation of dissent and how technology can both increase the influence of civil society associations and be a source of fragmentation and atomisation.As a result of these faultlines, the Inquiry is exploring the relationship between civil society and media. The primary purpose of this work is to investigate how civil society associations can position themselves to be ‘ahead of the curve’ in relation to media. This work will focus on:
- Civil society and new media
- Ownership of media
- Community media
- Media consumption
- Media literacy
This project will begin in January 2009 and the findings from this work will feed into the Inquiry. The Inquiry will conclude mid 2009.