New book: Three Myths of Internet Governance

Three Myths of Internet Governance

Making Sense of Networks, Governance and Regulation

By Richard Collins

 ISBN 9781841502335

Paperback 231 pages

230x174mm

Imprint: Intellect

Now Available

Price £19.95, $35

About the book

The Internet is a global medium that defies and replaces established media, yet our understanding and ideas surrounding it are largely derived from Internet usage in the USA.

This book draws on European and African examples to challenge three established myths about the Internet: that the market can decide; that the Internet is different to legacy media; and that national governance is unimportant.

The study engages with and challenges established Internet policy, extending the range of topics in media studies by analyzing mediums other than newspapers, broadcasting and cinema. Chapters confront claims that a new form of

social coordination or network governance is replacing both hierarchical and market systems of governance. Collins examines the Internet's impact on established media of communication and on established regulatory orders at national and global levels. He then digs deeper into the socio-ethical norms of freedom of expression, fairness and equality and collective cultural identity in relation to the Internet. Based on extensive empirical research (including

interviews and participant observation in international governance at a UN World Summit), Three Myths of Internet Governance will appeal to media studies lecturers and students, policy makers and regulators.

About the author

Richard Collins is Professor of Media Studies at the Open University, UK. He is the author of numerous books and articles on the media including Broadcasting and Audiovisual Policy in the European Single Market (1994), From

Satellite to Single Market. New Communication Technology and European Public Service Television (1998) and Media and Identity in Contemporary Europe. Consequences of Global Convergence (2002). In 2005-6 he was Specialist Advisor to the UK Parliament's House of Lords' Select Committee on BBC Charter Review and, in

2008-9 was Specialist Advisor to the House of Lords' Select Committee onCommunications.