Participatory Media and Good Governance

Thai Protests Reveal Deep Divisions - http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/15/world/asia/15bangkok.html?emc=eta1

Since the military coup in 2006, Thailand has gone through three Prime Ministers. Protesters have gotten progressively more charged since the coup, and the most violent one yet ended on Tuesday Morning.

Civil unrest in Thailand is divided among the People's Alliance for Democracy (royalists and military supporters) and the Red Shirts (farmers, small business men and supporters of PM Thaksin). Although there is opposition between these two groups, in the end, most Thais simply want a functioning democracy and a restoration of fair elections. The Thai media has been accused of being biased towards the government, and the government has a tight grip on the media, often limiting exposure of the Red Shirts.

This conflict is an example of the importance of free and transparent media in democracy. The Thais protest to be heard and to highlight the ways in which their government thwarts democracy. They protest because they feel cut off from the decisions that affect them.

Participatory media (the involvement of citizens) is an essential part of the equation for good governance and thus a functioning, progressive society. Free media holds governments accountable for their actions and unveils corruption. As a government gains tighter control on the media, however, citizens find fewer channels for their voices to be heard and to challenge discriminatory policies. This is why free and transparent media is so important, to prevent the loss of these channels and to strengthen democracy.