Briefly describe new world information and communication order

The New World Information and Communication Order (NWICO) was a concept developed in the 1970s and 1980s by international organizations, governments, and civil society to address the imbalances in the global flow of information and communication.

The NWICO was a response to the growing concern that the traditional Western-dominated media and communication systems were perpetuating cultural and economic imperialism, marginalizing the voices and perspectives of developing countries, and reinforcing existing power structures.

The key principles of the NWICO included:

  1. Equitable access: Ensuring that all countries, regardless of their economic or political status, have equal access to information and communication technologies.
  2. Cultural diversity: Promoting the diversity of cultures, languages, and perspectives in global communication, rather than the dominance of Western cultures.
  3. Participatory communication: Encouraging active participation and engagement in communication processes, rather than one-way transmission of information.
  4. Development-oriented: Focusing on the needs and priorities of developing countries, rather than solely serving the interests of developed countries.

The NWICO was also concerned with the concentration of media ownership and control, the lack of transparency and accountability in media operations, and the need for more diverse and independent sources of information.

The concept of NWICO was influential in shaping international agreements, such as the 1980 MacBride Report, which called for greater international cooperation and regulation of the global information and communication landscape. While the NWICO has had some impact on international policy and practice, its implementation has been uneven, and many of the original concerns and challenges remain relevant today.