Project

Person-to-Person: Information Policy for Democratic Communication

Program

ACLS Fellowship Program

Department

Legal Studies

Abstract

What happens when we democratize mass-media, and render communications and the production of cultural content open to all? We stand on the edge of a profound change that promises the democratization of communication and the widespread decentralization of the means of cultural production. Yet our response to this new environment is framed largely as a negative response to the downside of democratic communication. This project crafts an information policy for the age of democratic communication, by articulating the role that centralized control over communications has played, and the opportunities that emerge if we encourage democratic involvement in culture and communication. This involves an examination of democratic communications in copyright, media policy, press protection, and participatory politics.