In many countries around the world today, political transitions and the rise of digital technology have changed the way governments influence the media. With some exceptions, pre-publication censorship and pre-approval of news and information is mostly a thing of the past. Political transitions in many countries have changed mechanisms of control. Instead of a censor in Burma marking up advance copies of local newspapers, journalists receive more nuanced signals as to what should be covered. In countries like China and Vietnam, where governments still issue directives to journalists, there is now a vibrant social media space where forbidden topics are covered and dissent is expressed.
ANYA SCHIFFRIN
Director of Technology, Media, and Communications specialization, School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University
