Stephansen, H.C. 2017. Media Activism as Movement? Collective Identity Formation in the World Forum of Free Media. Media and Communication. 5 (3), pp. 59-66. https://doi.org/10.17645/mac.v5i3.1034
| Title | Media Activism as Movement? Collective Identity Formation in the World Forum of Free Media |
|---|---|
| Type | Journal article |
| Authors | Stephansen, H.C. |
| Abstract | More than simply tools used by social movements to reach other substantive aims, media are increasingly becoming subjects of activism. This article contributes to advancing understanding of such media-focused activism through a case study of the World Forum of Free Media (FMML), a thematic forum for media activists and media advocacy organisations linked to the World Social Forum. Based on qualitative research conducted between 2008 and 2016 – including participant observation, in-depth interviews and textual analysis – the article critically explores the extent to which the FMML can be considered a ‘free media’ movement in the making, and examines some of the challenges and contradictions that such a movement-building project entails. Drawing on social movement theory, specifically the concept of collective identity, it analyses efforts by forum organisers to mobilise a very diverse range of actors – from alternative media activists to policy- and advocacy NGOs – around a plural and inclusive ‘free media’ identity. While the FMML has to some extent succeeded in facilitating convergence around a set of core principles and ideas, it has so far struggled to develop a clear outwards-facing identity and mobilise a broad grassroots base. |
| Keywords | alternative media |
| collective identity | |
| communication rights | |
| FMML | |
| media activism | |
| media democracy movement | |
| social movements | |
| World Forum of Free Media | |
| World Social Forum | |
| Journal | Media and Communication |
| Journal citation | 5 (3), pp. 59-66 |
| ISSN | 2183-2439 |
| Year | 2017 |
| Publisher | Cogitatio Press |
| Publisher's version | |
| Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.17645/mac.v5i3.1034 |
| Publication dates | |
| Published | 22 Sep 2017 |
| Funder | ESRC (Economic & Social Research Council) |
| License | CC BY 4.0 |