User:Atdaz/Communication and the policy sciences

Communication and the Policy Sciences

Introduction

Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in awareness of – and concern for-issues in the media and communications policy arena. Issues ranging from ownership regulation to access to communications technologies to the development of community media now resonate far beyond the policy making sector (Napoli, 2007). Many observers have documented tremendous growth in recent years in policymaking activity in the communications policy area (Mueller, Kuerbis & Page, 2004) which may both reflect and encourage citizen and public interest activity. Since then, the discussion of policies has been heard at the national and international levels. It relates to such issues as the balance of information flow, the transfer of technologies, and the activities of transnational enterprises. The use of scientific as a resource for policy makers has a long history, and though the receptiveness of different nations to that fact has varied; throughout the early –and up until the mid -20th century a common and unchallenged concept of scientific knowledge existed in which that knowledge was considered dependable and objective truth (Maasen and Weingart, 2005). In 1972, the first ‘official’ definition of communication policies was described by UNESCO: Communication policies are sets of principles and norms established to guide the behavior of communication systems. They are shaped in the context of society’s general approach to communication. Emanating from political ideologies, the social and economic conditions of the country and the values on which they are based, they strive to relate these to the real needs and prospective opportunities of ‘communication’. Communication policies exist in every society, though they may frequently be latent and disjointed, rather than clearly articulated and harmonized. What is proposed, therefore, is not something radically new, but rather an explicit statement and deliberately prospective formulation of practices already established in society (UNESCO)

Definitions

Now let me cite the definitions of communication, communication policies, and communication planning and the policy sciences. 1.0 Communication Communication is a process by which a message is transmitted through channel from a source 	to a receiver in order to achieve the desired goal which is understanding. Communication is in 	short the act of expressing an attitude with a reflexive intention whose 	fulfilment consists in its 	recognition. Harnish,R. M. (1979)

1.1 Communication Policies

Refer to the guidelines on ownership, distribution and utilization of communication resources; define the role of communication in society; define the relationship between media, government and business; provide the framework by which the present structures may be transformed so that they can support the goals of building a just and humane society (Braid et al., 1990). It is also defined as a set of principles and norms established to guide the behaviour of communication systems. 1.2 Communication Planning Refers to the preparation of both short-range and long-term plans for the efficient and equitable use of communication resources, in the context of a particular society’s goals, means and priorities, and subject to its prevailing forms of social and political organization (Hancock, 1981). 1.3 Policy Sciences Refers to the scientific study of policies and policy making. Policy refers to a cluster of decisions 	with a particular purpose and audience in mind. The word science is used to suggest the use of 	empirical data gathered from systematic observation. (Flor, A. 1991) Communication plays a vital role in the development process. It aims to educate, inform, persuade and entertain people that affect certain norms and behaviours that contribute to national development. Communication media and resources were seen as tools for social change available through communication systems. Communication is seen as the major element in transforming society. Hence, policies should be developed, communicated, utilized and coordinated for the benefit of the society. It provides a way of preparing society to effectively institute changes. The two concepts communication planning and policy are very crucial in national communication framework: Communication planning translates policies into programs or projects consistent with the national development goals. Communication policy and plan helps bring about cooperation and coordination engaged in the collection, processing and dissemination of information; provides for the allocation and utilization of resources in conformity with the national objectives.

Philippine Communication Policies The Philippine Constitution recognizes the vital role of communication and information in nation-building (Article II, Section 24). It also calls for the adoption of a policy environment for the full development of Filipino capability and the emergence of communication structures suitable to the needs and aspirations of the nation and the balanced flow of information into, out of, and across the country, in accordance with the policy that respects the freedom of speech and of the press (Article XVI, Section 10).

Public Telecommunications Policy Act of the Philippines (R.A. 7925) signed into law on March 1, 1995 is a policy to promote and govern the development of Philippine telecommunications and the delivery of public telecommunication services. The more salient provisions of the law include the responsibilities of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) as policy maker and the  National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) as the regulating authority; categories of telecommunication entities; management and allocation of radio frequency spectrum; legislative franchise; interconnection rules; the mandate of NTC to establish rates and tariffs; access charges and revenue sharing; rights of telecommunication users; public ownership, privatization of existing facilities and equality of treatment in the telecommunications industry. Furthermore, NTC is mandated to be the principal administrator of the Telecommunication Policy Act of 1995. It takes the necessary measures to implement the policy and fundamental objective to develop and maintain a viable, efficient, reliable and universal telecommunication infrastructure using the best available and affordable technologies, as a vital tool to nation-building and development.

Electronic Commerce Act of the Philippines (R.A. 8792) enacted on June 14, 2000 is a policy that gives validity and legal recognition to electronic documents, electronic signatures and electronic transactions. This applies to any kind of electronic data message, electronic documents used in commercial and non-commercial activities and / or transactions, including electronic transactions in government. The E-Commerce Act of 2000 is a landmark law in the history of the Philippines as it made the country a legitimate player in the global market place. It mandates the implementation of RP Web, a strategy that intends to connect all government offices to the Internet and provide universal access to the general public. It made cable, broadcast, and wireless physical infrastructure within the activity of telecommunications. Moreover, the law penalizes hacking and online piracy. Hacking is defined as:Unauthorized access into a computer system; Interference in a computer system/server or information and communication system;authorized access in order to corrupt, alter, steal, or destroy without the knowledge and consent of the owner or information and communications system; and introduction of computer viruses and the like, resulting in the corruption, destruction, alteration, theft or loss of electronic data messages or electronic document.On the other hand, online piracy is the unauthorized copying, reproduction, dissemination, distribution, importation, use, removal, alteration, substitution, modification, storage, uploading, downloading, communication, making available to the public, or broadcasting of protected material, electronic signature or copyrighted works, through the use of telecommunication networks, such as but not limited to the Internet, in a manner that infringes intellectual property rights.

Summary Communication and information play a vital role in national development. The policies are instituted to help enhance the economic, social, political and cultural environment. Communication media are powerful allies in the development but, media alone is powerless without the help of people who are willing to catalyze change because it is largely dependent on the extent to which communication strategies and systems are integrated in national development.

References:

Braid, Florangel R., Ramon R.Tuazon and Nora O. Gamolo. 2007. A Reader on         Information and 	Communication Technology. Manila: Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC) 	and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) National 	Commission of the Philippines.

Colle, Royal D. 2007. Advocacy and Interventions: Readings in Communication and Development. Ithaca, New York: The Internet-First University Press.

Flor, A.1991. Development Communication and the Policy Sciences. University of the Philippines Frodeman R., Friggle A., Fisher E., and Ryan S._____The Policy Sciences, Science Policy and the 	Development of Humanities Policy.

Hancock, Alan. 1981. Communication Planning for Development. France: UNESCO.

Harnish, R. M. (1979).Linguistic Communication and Speech Acts ( Cambridge, Mass.)

Kwame Boafo, S. T., (1986) Formulating Comprehensive National Communication Policy for 	Development 	in African Countries: A Framework. African Council on Communication 	Education.

Maasen, S. and Weingart, P.(2005). “What’s New in Scientific Advice to Politics? Introductory Essay.” 	Maasen and Weigart (eds) Democratization of Expertise? Exploring Novel Forms of Scientific 	Advice in Political Decision- Making. pp.1-20. Springer.

Mueller, M.,Page, C. &Kuerbis, B. (2004) Civil Society and the shaping of communication- information 	policy: four decades of advocacy. The information society, 20(3),169-185.

Lengweiler,M. (2008)” Participatory Approaches in Science and Technology: Historical Origins and Current Practices in Critical Perspective.” Science, Technology and Human Values, 33;2 pp. 186

Napoli,P.M.,(2007)Public Interest Media Activism and Advocacy as a Social Movement: A Review of Literature Ortiz, C. (2004) Democratizing Science: process for involvement of the public in scientific issues and their 	success. 11/11/04 _______________, R.R. Tuazon, C. Bejosano, V.S. Labrador, I. E. Samson, E.K.          Dimasuay. 1990. Communication for the Common Good: Towards a Framework      for a National Communication Policy. Manila: Asian Institute of Journalism. 66pp. ______________Overview of Communication and Policy