Skip to main contentSkip to Xpert Chatbot

StellenboschX: Governance and regulation, access to information and media viability

This course examines the lasting impact of colonial and neo-colonial communication control for political repression, with a focus on civil society's role in effecting change via national and international policy and law mechanisms. We delve into policy issues of Access to Information (and data) in Africa, the economic viability of the news media and the strategic aspects of organising campaigns.

Governance and regulation, access to information and media viability
8 weeks
3–5 hours per week
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
Free
Optional upgrade available

There is one session available:

After a course session ends, it will be archivedOpens in a new tab.
Starts Nov 22

About this course

Skip About this course

The course's foundation is an overview of the principles of freedom of expression and access to information and how these apply to media and online freedoms.

The course addresses the contemporary legacies of colonial and neo-colonial control of communications for political repression, while also showing how civil society engagement can achieve change. Participants will learn how policy and law operate, both nationally and internationally, and how civil society can use formal and informal channels to make an impact.

It gives special attention to the regulation of media, the internet and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as issues of access to information (and data), the challenge of the economic viability of media and strategic issues in campaigning for change.

It is highly recommended that participants take the first course in the Professional Certificate in Media and Digital Policy in Africa before embarking on this second course.

edX extends a compassionate gesture to learners who can exemplify that meeting the financial obligation for the verified certificate fee would entail a significant economic burden. Should you aspire to cover the fees associated with obtaining your professional certificate, we encourage you to explore the option of securing financial assistance from edX. If you wish to initiate this process, click here.

At a glance

  • Language: English
  • Video Transcript: English
  • Associated programs:
  • Associated skills:Artificial Intelligence, Communications, Compassion, Governance

What you'll learn

Skip What you'll learn

Free expression, access to information and media freedom:

  • Freedom of expression as a two-sided right.
  • A tool to check whether restrictions on freedom of expression are justifiable.
  • The interrelation of international agreements and national law.

Media independence, safety, pluralism and diversity:

  • Criteria for the independence of media.
  • Standards of professional journalism.
  • Safety of journalists and media.
  • Pluralism and diversity in the media.
  • Different types of media.
  • Gender diversity in the media.

The internet and freedom of expression

  • Universal access to the internet.
  • Government interference with internet access.
  • Surveillance and cybercrime legislation.
  • The challenge of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
  • Disinformation and how to combat it.
  • How to protect the integrity of online expression.

Effective civil society engagement in support of democratic media policy:

  • The role of civil society.
  • Formal and informal channels of civil society engagement.
  • Getting a handle on law reform.
  • Civil society may be undermined.

This course is part of Media and Digital Policy in Africa Professional Certificate Program

Learn more 
Expert instruction
2 skill-building courses
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
4 months
3 - 5 hours per week

Interested in this course for your business or team?

Train your employees in the most in-demand topics, with edX For Business.