Media Ownership in South East Europe (SEE) and EU member states from Central and Eastern Europe.

Media Ownership and Its Impact on Media Independence and Pluralism – the project is an attempt to map ownership patterns and their effects on media pluralism and independence. The eighteen country reports and a regional overview are a result of the project organised by the South East European Network for Professionalisation of the Media (SEENPM). The project was conducted from July 2003 to June 2004 and was led by the Peace Institute in Ljubljana, itself a member of the SEENPM.

If it’s one chapter per country, the whole book is downloadable in PDF format, which I have done before they change their minds and make it unavailable!

Media Ownership in South East Europe (SEE) and EU member states from Central and Eastern Europe. Obviously this belongs on the International page, but…

This is my blog problem. I want everything to be seen by everyone, but I know for the majority of people this will bore them to tears. So is it better to get rid of ALL blogs except one, or is it good to separate things into several blogs as is now? It’s difficult when I post useless stuff, and general blatherings about my day, on the one hand, and links to important news and other things of actual interest on the other.

Let me know your opinions readers – (Grismeri, Tang, Milt, Paul, Grace, Dan). I think that covers everyone! By the way – the other ‘blogs’ are International News, Sports and Reviews for those unaware I was spouting more useless drivel than just what you read on this page.

Shia cleric offers Najaf pull-out. Hopefully the conflict (particularly this one between Moqtada al Sadr and the US) is still salvageable for the good of the Iraqi people. It’s not just about Iraqi’s in Najaf – I think that conflict and its outcomes could determine how attitudes and opinions are formed on a wider basis. With that in mind, what happens with al-Sadr, if it turns out for the good, will hopefully be ‘good news’ that can be spread throughout Iraq. Obviously good things have happened in Iraq, and good things must be continuing to happen in Iraq, but it’s not what the media wants to show or talk about.

Somebody said it was sad that none of the good things happening in Iraq were being reported widely. I think a search is in order to find who said this, and to see what good is happening, whether it has been reported or not. The outcomes of this search will appear as posts here.

Joy at historic Sudan peace deal, although the conflict in Darfur continues.

Q&A: Peace in Sudan.

Q&A: Darfur conflict.

US movie actor is ‘Afghan prince’.

“It would be a brave man who attempted to reassert his claim to be the Prince of Ghor at this stage.”

It would be a brave Afghan, let alone a brave American actor.

ARL to review golden point – after the series is over.

First game of State of Origin 2004 last night. Great game. It would have ended an 8-8 draw except for the golden point rule introduced last year. I’m not sure I agree with it even during the regular season, but especially not in Origin games.

After a fantastic 80 minute game both sides arguably deserved to win. A draw would have been a fair result. Perhaps if the game is a series decider the golden point should be used. At the end of the first game, however, with two games yet to play, it seems unnecessary to me. Mind you, I would have been dancing had Queensland slotted a field goal first. That still wouldn’t make it a good idea.

Coach of Champion’s League winners Porto, Mourinho set for Chelsea. He says he wants to accept their offer.

Also, Terry warns Roberto Carlos that if he signs for Chelsea, there’s no guaranteed place for him in the side. It’s scary, the amount of world class talent they bought into the club; but imagine it – you’re an international representative and capable of being a starter on any other side in the world, yet you now aren’t getting games because everyone in the squad is an international rep… I feel sorry for them in a way, but some of them probably don’t care as long as they’re getting the big Abramovich buck$.

And finally, good old Liverpool line up Valencia coach Benitez, with Kenny Dalglish returning in an advisory role. Valencia won the Spanish league (no mean feat against the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Deportiva la Coruna) and the UEFA Cup under Benitez, so hopefully he’ll be a good fit for Liverpool and the Premier League.