3: Knight Commission on Information Needs of Communities in a Democracy
In partnership with The Aspen Institute, propose public policy to better meet information needs. Other Information:
www.KnightComm.org
Stakeholder(s):
- Knight Commission on the Information Needs of Communities in a Democracy: The Knight Commission on the Information Needs of Communities in a Democracy was a blue ribbon panel of seventeen media, policy
and community leaders that met in 2008 and 2009. Its purpose was to assess the information needs of communities, and recommend
measures to help Americans better meet those needs. Its Report, Informing Communities: Sustaining Democracy in the Digital
Age, was the first major commission on media since the Hutchins Commission in the 1940’s and the Kerner and Carnegie Commissions
of the 1960’s. In the digital age, technological, economic and behavioral changes are dramatically altering how Americans
communicate. Information is more fragmented. Communications systems no longer run along the same lines as local governance.
The gap in access to digital tools and skills is wide and troubling. This new era poses major challenges to the flow of news
and information people depend on to manage their complex lives. The Commission’s aims are to maximize the availability and
flow of credible local information; to enhance access and capacity to use the new tools of knowledge and exchange; and to
encourage people to engage with information and each other within their geographic communities. Among its 15 recommendations
the Commission argues for universal broadband, open networks, transparent government, a media and digitally literate populace,
vibrant local journalism, public media reform, and local public engagement. The Commission seeks to start a national discussion
leading to real action. Please let us know what measures you believe will advance the cause of Information Healthy Communities.
- Aspen Institute
Objective(s):
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