Albany Blog

In transitional and post-conflict societies where a free and independent media, the crucial ‘fourth estate’ of democracy, is still an aspiration rather than reality, governments have to often overcome an instinct for central control and censorship. Transparency can be a concept that is difficult to grasp and the temptation to restrict media and information systems, rather than develop the mechanisms of open government, may be strong. Just as the free exchange of ideas is the mark of a democratic society, robust, innovative and competitive telecommunication systems are vital drivers of a modern market economy. Technology now dictates that you cannot have one without the other.  Understanding the connection between the two is crucial.

Modern, instant communication brings both benefits and problems. In the maelstrom of our multi-media age, in which we are bombarded with messaging via the internet, television, radio, newspapers and mobile phones, this information saturation makes it difficult to sift fact from fiction.  Furthermore, communications technology is increasingly affordable and available to all – individuals as well as governments – and the speed at which information reaches the public challenges organisations more than ever. So how do governments, institutions and corporations make sense of this new, seemingly chaotic, environment?

Albany Associates is a company that brings together a wide range of unique expertise to assist in understanding and adapting to these dynamics in a changing society. Albany can develop and implement communications strategies, assist in drafting media and telecommunications laws, design and reform regulatory frameworks, advise on media infrastructure development, help build credible and independent public service broadcasting and provide guidance on the confluence of these factors.