JOR 115 - International Journalism Assignment

The events of Sept. 11, 2001, reminded us of how important good journalism is in a free society. As the months and years since then have unfolded, and we watch world events, we also are reminded that there are many different systems of journalism around the world.

Although our focus in JOR 115 is American journalism, it is useful to have some understanding of how journalism is practiced elsewhere so we can compare and contrast with our own free press. This assignment requires you to briefly investigate how journalism is done in another country.

Instructions
• Choose a country from the list below. There may be some duplication, but don't everyone rush to take the first country listed.
• Take a couple of hours to learn as much as you can about the journalism (newspapers,TV/radio news, internet news sites) in your country. If you search the Web, be careful to use credible sites. Don't forget about the library! And I strongly reccomend that you visit the web site of the International Press Institute, publishers of the IPI Global Journalist.
• At the least, you need to try to discover:

- Is there an official statement about the press (e.g. in a constitution)?
- Who owns the news media (private, govt., other)?
- Who controls the news media (i.e. is there censorship; is there some watchdog body, etc)?
- Something about the history/development of news media in the country
- Data on types of news media and numbers of news media outlets (e.g. number of newspapers)
- Names of influential news media outlets
- Can you say anything about how the news media cover the news (e.g. sensationaliticm, mouthpiece for government, independent)?
- Can you say anything about how the news media are regarded elsewhere in the world?
- Can you identify any issues of concern for the news media or journalists?
- Are any newspapers from this country available in the URI Library?

• Write a concise summary (maximum 500 words) of your findings. List your sources at the end (not part of word count).
• Submit your assignment via Sakai by the deadline.
• Bring a copy of your summary to class on Wednesday 24 February.

If your last name begins with
A, B or M		 If your last name begins with
C or N-R		 If your last name begins with
D-I or S		 If your last name begins with
J-L or T-W

Canada
Haiti
Mali
N. Korea
Cuba
Turkey
Afghanistan
Poland

 Ireland
Israel
Peru
Czech Republic
Sudan
Bangladesh
Dominican Republic
Argentina 		Sweden
Saudi Arabia
Vietnam
Hungary
Lithuania
Belgium
S. Africa
Russia
Brazil
Russia
Australia
Libya
Puerto Rico
Palestine
Iran
Iraq

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