Conference Agenda
Media Development Researchers Conference
Monday, January 25, 2010
Venue: Open Society Institute
400 West 59th Street
New York
9:00 a.m. New Trends in Media Research
• What research is now underway? Do researchers communicate effectively with one another?
• How is research changing in response to an evolving media ecosystem?
• What trends, topics, and technology are reshaping the field?
• What are the most important studies now underway?
• What kinds of traditional research projects require continuing support?
Moderator: Joyce Barnathan, International Center for Journalists
Panelists:
Charlie Beckett, London School of Economics
Meg Gaydosik, USAID
Ying Chan, University of Hong Kong
10:30 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m. Putting Media Research into Action
• What are the best examples of media research with practical applications?
• Is there research to show the best ways to design effective programs that can be easily replicated?
• What research most enhances the case for investment in media development?
• How might research be more useful and accessible for donors, policy-makers and implementers?
• Where can media research make the greatest difference?
Moderator: Marguerite Sullivan, Center for International Media Assistance
Panelists:
Guy Berger, Rhodes University
Eduardo Bertoni, Palermo University
Gordana Jankovic, Open Society Institute
Leon Morse, IREX
12:15 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m. Making the Case: Media’s Role in Advancing Broader Development Goals
• What research demonstrates the strongest correlations among independent media, structured information and good governance?
• What studies show that investments in independent media enhance gains against health, economic and other development goals?
• How do media literacy, attitudes and practice affect outcomes?
• Where are the greatest gaps and challenges in doing this kind of research?
Moderator: Monroe Price, Center for Global Communication Studies Annenberg School for Communication
Panelists:
Tudor Vlad, Cox Center
Peter Goldstein, InterMedia
Sina Odugbemi, World Bank Institute
Gerry Power, BBC Trust
3:00 p.m. Break
3:15 p.m. Donor Perspectives on Media Research
• Of the research you have funded, what has produced the best “returns on investment”?
• How do you use this research and measure “returns”?
• What new areas of research are you considering?
• Where do you feel gaps exist that are essential to fill?
• In what areas might greater collaboration increase the effectiveness of research?
Moderator: Karen Dunlap, Poynter Institute
Panelists:
Rob Garris, Rockefeller Foundation
Mark Koenig, USAID
Mayur Patel, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Marguerite Sullivan, Center for International Media Assistance
4:30 p.m. Making a Difference: Future Roadmap
• Invited Comments
• Summary of highlights from the day’s sessions
• Identification of areas of possible future collaboration
• Next steps
Moderator: Stephen Salyer, Salzburg Global Seminar
