session 11. regulation for cultural diversity? pros and cons.

The time for the second interactive session has come. We will discuss a topic that we already touched upon in all sorts of ways (in particular in session 9), namely: whether it is justified and in fact doable to regulate for the protection and promotion of cultural diversity? These questions are asked against the background of a globalized media landscape, where we observe the emergence and use of multiple platforms and channels for expression and communication.
Yet, it could be argued that many voices have been marginalized in this environment and local cultures, especially in developing countries, are increasingly lost or (mis)appropriated by powerful globally positioned media companies. On the other hand, one could argue that digital media could make the expression and distribution of such local voices possible and strengthen their cultural value and the identity of the communities and peoples creating them.
It is certain that the picture to be painted is complex and not one of black and white. This makes the discussion particularly interesting and leaves the outcome open. The winning party will be ultimately the one with better structured and presented arguments.

The rules of the game remain the same.
You have however the advantage that you already heard the presentations of your colleagues during the first interactive session, as well as my comments on them.

The reading materials are few. They encompass basically the texts from last session, especially the first one on the list.
Those texts may have a slight bias towards arguments against cultural diversity regulation. Nonetheless, the other party arguing for cultural diversity regulation can make a strong case too. The lack of flexibilities within the WTO regime and the total disregard of cultural concerns are certainly the starting point there. The proliferation of mainstream content and homogenization of media outlets possibly another good point to make. Also, the text of the Convention itself and other short documents made available on the thematic page of UNESCO on culture can help you win the case.
Optional reading with some good data is a chapter from the recent UNESCO World Report on Cultural Diversity.

I wish both parties good luck for the preparations and look forward to an interesting discussion next week.

Thanks so much for the wonderful presentations. The sum-up slides are here.