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Electoral process
Access to information
Civil rights
Rule of law
Labor market
Social affairs
Health care
Social inclusion
External security
Internal security
Steering capability
Policy implementation
Institutional learning
Reform capacity
Czech Rep.
New Zealand
South Korea
Status Index
Management Index
Key findings
Media freedom
Media pluralism
Access to gov. information
Are media organizations independent
from the government?
Media freedom: texts + scores are based on independent assessments by two experts. Results were adjusted for cross-national consistency by the regional coordinator and SGI board.
Media freedom scores
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Media freedom
Following the SGI codebook, the country's performance has been assessed on a scale from 1 to 10.
Public and private media are independent. Independence is institutionally protected.
The rules and practice of media supervision guarantee sufficient ...
Chile report
The rules and practice of media supervision guarantee sufficient independence for the publicly owned media. The privately owned media is subject to licensing and regulatory regimes that ensure its independence from the government.
The independence of media is nowadays a matter of course in Finland. Media ...
Finland report
The independence of media is nowadays a matter of course in Finland. Media independence is guaranteed by the Act on the Exercise of Freedom of Expression in Mass Media from 2003 and supported by public and political discourse, in which free and pluralist media is considered an important means for debates among citizens and the formation of public opinion. According to Reporters without Borders' Worldwide Press Freedom Index 2009, Finland was ranked first along with Denmark, Ireland, Norway and Sweden. Finland's national broadcasting company, Yleisradio, is a public broadcaster owned by the Finnish state and is funded through private television broadcasting license fees and a television fee. Governed by a parliamentary council, Yleisradio operates five national television channels, a dozen radio channels and some 25 regional radio stations. In their operation, freedom of speech is regarded a political right and broadcasting activities an impartial means for the mediation of differing opinions and debates.
Public and private media are wholly independent of government. The state ...
Ireland report
Public and private media are wholly independent of government. The state broadcasting (radio and TV) company is supported by the fees from a mandatory license. It is obliged to give balanced coverage of political events and to guarantee access to a variety of political views. Access by political parties for electioneering purposes must also be balanced. The state broadcaster does not enjoy a monopoly in any area of broadcasting, but faces competition from private TV and radio stations.
Oversight of broadcasting and print media has recently been recast under new legislation. The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) was established on October 1, 2009 following the enactment of the Broadcasting Act 2009. Its terms of reference require it to "ensure that the democratic values enshrined in the constitution, especially those relating to rightful liberty of expression, are upheld, and to provide for open and pluralistic broadcasting services."
The BAI's Compliance Committee can investigate and rule on complaints relating to issues of fairness, objectivity and impartiality. Under this heading, it can enforce the requirement that all news broadcast by a broadcaster is reported and presented in an objective and impartial manner, without any expression of the broadcaster's own views. In the treatment of current affairs, including matters which are either of public controversy or the subject of current public debate, broadcasters must ensure that reports are fair to all interests concerned and that the broadcast material is presented in an objective and impartial manner, without any expression of the broadcaster's own views. Any viewer or listener may refer a complaint to the BAI if they are unhappy about program content on an Irish licensed broadcasting service, either radio or television.
The Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman were established on January 1, 2008. Citizens now have access to an independent press complaints mechanism that is described as "quick, fair and free." Among its aims is "to defend the freedom of the press and the freedom of the public to be informed."
Thus, the relationship between the press and the government is an arm's length one. Systematic preferences or biases undoubtedly exist in press editorial coverage, but there is sufficient variety of editorial opinion and adequate complaints procedures to prevent any undermining of the democratic process.
Attempts by governing parties to curtail the freedom of the press appear to be virtually nonexistent, although the use of public relations firms and "spin doctors" to present news in the light most favorable to those in power is widespread.
The dominant TV and radio corporation is state owned, but there are also ...
Norway report
The dominant TV and radio corporation is state owned, but there are also private TV and radio stations. Newspapers are entirely in private hands. The dominant broadcasting house (NRK) is government-owned, but organized in a way that ensures considerable autonomy. The government does not intervene in the organization's daily practices or editorial decisions. However, since NRK is a non-commercial actor, it is largely financed by a fee which is compulsory for all citizens who have a television. The amount of the fee is set by parliament. The president of the state media is appointed by the government.
An institution called the Kringkastingsrådet plays an oversight role, monitoring, debating and expressing views about the management and activities of state-funded broadcast media. It can also give advice on administrative and economic issues. The issues debated by the council can originate with the chairman of the state channels or from the public (including criticism and complaints). The opinions expressed by the Kringkastingsrådet carry substantial weight, and recommendations from this council are usually implemented. Eight council members are appointed by the parliament, and an additional six by the government.
Newspapers are free from any government interference. Freedom of the press is explicitly guaranteed in the constitution; the constitutional article addressing press freedoms was amended and strengthened in a constitutional amendment in 2004.
Media freedom in Sweden is valued and well-protected. The Swedish ...
Sweden report
Media freedom in Sweden is valued and well-protected. The Swedish constitution's Freedom of the Press Act and the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression guarantee a secure freedom of the press.
Sweden's state-owned radio (SR) and TV channels (SVT) have a long history as public service corporations. The incumbent governments appoint the respective boards. However, there is no evidence that Swedish governments have ever sought to use that position to control programs, productions or the political statements put forward in the public media. The Swedish Radio Act and charters between the government and SVT guarantee the independence of public media from pressure groups and political parties.
As a result of recent deregulation, the supply of private radio and TV media increased significantly. There is no evidence that these private media are influenced by the state, political parties or pressure groups.
Print media are privately owned. The private media are independent from government influence. Despite concentration of print media in some organizations and companies, these media are independent from political or financial pressures. The public places a great deal of importance on the degree of freedom of the media.
It is noteworthy that trust is especially high in public media (TV and radio), whereas trust into private media (especially TV) is lowest in Swedish society.
Public and private media corporations are free from government influence. ...
Switzerland report
Public and private media corporations are free from government influence. This is enshrined in the Swiss constitution. Although the federal government chooses the chairperson and some board members of the quasi-public nonprofit radio and television organization, it is not able to exercise any influence over the organization's daily reporting or journalistic work (Marcinkowski 2007).
The media sector in the United States is overwhelmingly private; the ...
United States report
The media sector in the United States is overwhelmingly private; the public sector on the national level (TV and radio) is small, and its public funding base is shrinking. There were isolated scandals involving government agencies secretly paying certain local news commentators for favorable stories during the George W. Bush administration. The Obama White House briefly attempted to punish the blatantly biased and often inaccurate Fox News network as an "illegitimate" news organization by providing inferior access to the president. But in general, government interference in the media sector has been nearly non-existent. The Internet is increasingly becoming the source of information for many citizens. Not only do traditional print and electronic media go online, but there are a number of high-quality Internet-based publications such as the Huffington Post, Politico and Slate. Television and radio broadcasters are regulated by an independent commission, the Federal Communications Commission, on the basis of public interest and market concentration considerations.
The administrative structure of public television and radio also includes ...
Belgium report
The administrative structure of public television and radio also includes a board or council which consists of representatives of the main political parties. This body makes binding decisions, so its influence is considerable. On paper, the main administrator is supposed to be independent, but the head of the main French-speaking public television and radio station (RTBF) claims an official political affiliation (yet this is not the case for the head at public Flemish sender VRT). However journalists at RTBF are free from direct control or political influence, apart from a few rare instances when political journalists in particular felt some political pressure over coverage. Yet such instances do not happen often; when they do, they are then publicized with the result that journalists eventually are able to maintain their independence.
Private media in Belgium is more completely independent from political influence and scrutinizes public action increasingly well. There are however some connections between managers of the main private media operators (for example, television station VTM in Flanders and RTL in Wallonia) and some political parties. This seldom translates into direct influence over broadcasts, however.
Canada scores a 9 out of 10 in the extent to which the media are ...
Canada report
Canada scores a 9 out of 10 in the extent to which the media are independent from government. The only publicly owned media organization in Canada at the national level is the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), which runs radio and television stations. Its independence from government control is ensured by statute. However, this independence has limits. For example, it is unlikely that Radio-Canada, the Quebec branch of the CBC, would be permitted to advocate the break up of the country. On the other hand, many feel that Radio-Canada journalists express a pro-Quebec independence position in their work.
Privately owned media organizations can of course take any political position they wish. The only leverage held by the government over these media is its power to choose where to advertise or where to inform the public of government policies and programs. In theory, if a government does not like the viewpoint of a particular media outlet, it can use the retraction of government advertising as a punishment. This is seldom done by the federal government or provincial governments, but is more common on the part of municipal governments.
Press freedom is protected by the Danish constitution, section 77, with ...
Denmark report
Press freedom is protected by the Danish constitution, section 77, with certain restrictions concerning libel, blasphemy and racism.
Denmark's radio and TV2 are governed by independent boards appointed by the culture minister, the People's Assembly (Folketing) and employees. No MPs are allowed to be board members and legislation endeavors to assure that programs are impartial and diverse. State-run media are financed by an annual license fee, but commercials are increasingly allowed. Private media, especially newspapers, used to have party affiliations, but such affiliations have lessened in recent years. Freedom House describes private media in Denmark as "vibrant."
Denmark used to score very high on the annual Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters without Borders. But in 2006, Denmark dropped to 19th place, mostly as a result of the fallout following the publication of the cartoon of Muhammad in a Danish newspaper. In 2008 Denmark was in14th place. But in 2009, Denmark rose to first place together with a small group of countries. So during the period under review the independence of media in Denmark has improved quite substantially.
Reporters without Borders, at http://en.rsf.org/denmark.html
Freedom House, at http://www.freedomhouse.org/templat Zahle, Dansk forfatningsret 3: Menneskerettigheder. Copenhagen: Christian Ejlers' Forlag, 2007.
The media market is small and a pluralistic market is only possible thanks ...
Luxembourg report
The media market is small and a pluralistic market is only possible thanks to generous press subsidies. One might allege that the subsidies are an indirect way of influencing the media, but in general the independence of the media is respected by the government and the rules for granting subsidies are transparent and unanimously accepted.
Freedoms of the press and expression are formally guaranteed by the ...
Netherlands report
Freedoms of the press and expression are formally guaranteed by the constitution (Article 7). The Dutch approach to public broadcasting is unique. Programs are produced by a variety of organizations, some reflecting political or religious currents in society, others representing interest groups. These organizations are allocated TV and radio airtime that is relative to their size in number of members. In principle, broadcasting corporations are independent, and autonomous organizations are responsible for their own programming, program content and budgets. However, broadcasting corporations are required to comply with regulations laid down in the Media Law (Mediawet, Stb. 1987, nr. 249).
Since 1988, the Dutch Media Authority (Commissariaat voor de Media) has been charged with enforcing the Media Law. It guards the independence, quality and diversity of information provided by public and private broadcasting corporations alike. The Commissariaat also guarantees the non-commercial character of the public broadcasting system, and honest relations between public and private media. This is no easy job, as public radio and TV channels face stiff competition from commercial stations, which mushroomed after a 1988 law lifted the ban on commercial broadcasting.
The Commissariaat is an independent governmental authority (ZBO), with its own, autonomous tasks and discretionary space. Although the Commissariaat has the right to makes decisions on its own, it is accountable to the minister of education, culture and science, who nominates the Commissariaat's chairperson. The chair's political orientation appears to have become a less important issue over the years. Whereas the Commissariaat refrains from censorship and employs post hoc methods of law enforcement, politics do influence in particular public media outlets through the Commissariaat in ways that may restrict their freedom. Examples include the prohibition of alcohol advertising before 9 p.m., the development of a code of conduct for "safe media-provision," and salary ceilings for public media employees.
New Zealand
Freedom of the media is regulated by the Broadcasting Standards Authority. ...
New Zealand report
Freedom of the media is regulated by the Broadcasting Standards Authority. In addition, it is safeguarded by the New Zealand Press Council, an independent organization that hears complaints from consumers and publishes annual reports. In its 2008 report the press council warned against "creeping regulation" through codes of conduct and guidelines in bills such as the Public Health Bill 2007. In addition, it sees a conflict between the allocation of information, especially in the "new" media and the protection of privacy. This shows that the press council is not only highly sensitive to encroachments on the media but also takes the privacy principle into account. International rankings by Freedom House and Reporters without Borders with regard to media freedom place New Zealand at top positions.
Reporters without Borders, World Press Freedom Index 2009 - The Rankings (http://www.rsf.org/IMG/pdf/classement_en.pdf, accessed April 1, 2010).
New Zealand Press Council, The 36th Report (Wellington: New Zealand Press Council, n.d.).
Freedom House, Freedom of the Press 2009: Table of Global Press Freedom Rankings (http://www.freedomhouse.org/uploads/fop09/FoP2009_World_Rankings.pdf, accessed April 1, 2010).
Government respects media independence, but regulation provides little protection.
The mass media in Australia enjoys a high level of freedom, and a series ...
Australia report
The mass media in Australia enjoys a high level of freedom, and a series of High Court cases in the 1990s further entrenched media freedom within the legal framework. One included a case in 1991 when the High Court struck down an attempt by the then Labor government to restrict political advertising on television. The political culture is also conducive to a high level of media freedom and the media itself is strongly independent of political influence.
The publicly owned broadcaster is also independent, although it is accountable to a board of directors appointed by the government.
One threat to media freedom comes from anti-terrorism laws, and in particular the Anti-Terrorism Act 2005, which was introduced after the 7/7 bombings in London. The government concluded that existing legislation would not have been able to protect the Australian public from a similar terrorist event. The legislation allowed for, among other things, control orders to restrict freedom of speech by individuals and the freedom of the media to publish their views. Despite several attempts, the implications of the legislation for media freedom have not yet been tested in court.
A further potential threat concerns the government's proposal to introduce an internet filter. While ostensibly intended to simply block material that is already unlawful in Australia when transmitted in other (electronic and non-electronic) forms, concerns have been raised that it will stifle legitimate public and political debate, for example about euthanasia and abortion. Moreover, the identities of blocked web sites will not be disclosed under the proposed legislation, creating the potential for illegitimate political interference with decisions over blocked content.
Andrew Byrnes, Hilary Charlesworth and Gabrielle McKinnon. Human Rights Implications of the Anti-Terrorism Bill, 2005. Available at www.law.unsw.edu.au/News_and…/Doc/S tanhope_advice_20051018.pdf. Accessed 16 April 2010.
The German Basic Law guarantees the freedoms of expression, press and ...
Germany report
The German Basic Law guarantees the freedoms of expression, press and broadcasting, and prohibits censorship (with limitations set by mutual respect, personal dignity and the protection of young people). This high standard of independence from political interference holds true for the print media, which is largely self-regulated. The German Press Council was established to protect the freedom of the press. However, Germany found itself at only 18th place in the Worldwide Press Freedom Index 2009, a disappointing showing compared with the aforementioned high aims. In the realm of television, the Interstate Treaty on Broadcasting and Telemedia creates a general countrywide framework for public and private broadcast media. In the private broadcasting sector, governmental influence is limited to general provisions, regulations and guidelines aimed at preventing discrimination or other abuse of broadcast media as stated in the interstate treaty. While the relationship between public authorities and private media can be seen as unproblematic, there are observed dependencies between authorities and the public media that are at least questionable.
An event in late 2009 raised considerable doubts as to whether German party-biased public authorities are still willing to guarantee the independence of publicly owned media outlets. The politically motivated dismissal of ZDF Chief Editor Nikolaus Brender by the ZDF administrative board attracted extensive attention. The issue was raised as to whether German politicians should be allowed to influence the career prospects of the journalists who report on them. Several constitutional lawyers raised constitutional objections to the composition of the board itself. The quarrel will have legal ramifications. In the aftermath of Brender's dismissal, the executives of the federal states were unable to come to agreement on a reform package that would have redefined states' involvement in the public media arena. Subsequently, Kurt Beck (SPD), prime minister of Rhineland-Palatinate, announced that his state would file a judicial review against the ZDF interstate treaty (Spiegel Online: 25.03.2010). Beck, who is also chairman of the ZDF administrative board, cited concerns regarding the unconstitutional exploitation of governmental power and questioned whether the publicly owned media truly possessed independence.
The appeal to the Constitutional Court has some prospects of success, as evidenced by the harsh reactions of constitutional lawyers to the ZDF case. A group of 35 constitutional law scholars discussed the high-profile case in an open letter, concluding that the incident was an "obvious attempt to strengthen the influence of party politics" (FAZ: 22.11.2009) on public broadcasting. While media freedom is without doubt given high value and is effectively protected in Germany, this affair indicates that not all politicians really respect this principle fully.
Until the late 1980s, all radio and TV stations were owned by the state. ...
Iceland report
Until the late 1980s, all radio and TV stations were owned by the state. The state monopoly in this market was abolished by law in 1986. Since that time, private stations have gained momentum and are now a significant part of the media market. Even so, there were only nine private TV stations in 2008 compared with 12 in 2005. There is one state-run TV station. Even though the government respects the independence of the media, the law does not provide full protection against government influence or intervention. The Act on Radio and TV (Útvarpslög) has regulated radio and TV since 2000.
In international comparison, the Icelandic mass media has been described as working in an "exceptionally open and free media environment" (Freedom House, 2004). The legal environment can be described as having the characteristic of negative freedom – that is, freedom from restrictions instead of being subject to obligations and responsibilities (positive freedom).
During the boom after 2000, a frenzied competition for control of the media took place, focusing especially on the TV sector but also encompassing the newspaper business. The three main business groups in Iceland each had a bank and a newspaper in their portfolio, a common feature in preludes to past financial crises around the world. After the crash of 2008, the ownership of the oldest and second-largest newspaper (Morgunblaðið) was transferred from a bankrupt banker to an owner of fishing quotas. The paper is currently edited by a former prime minister, and in keeping with the interests of the owner, is strongly supportive of the fishing lobby and strongly opposed to EU membership. In effect, the government under this prime minister enriched the quota owners by handing them hugely valuable common-property fishing quotas free of charge, and then, in an evident quid pro quo, one such owner bought a newspaper and installed the former prime minister as editor.
Karlsson, Ragnar (2010):Íslenskur fjölmiðlamarkaður. Framboð, fjölbreytni, samkeppni og samþjöppun. (The Icelandic media market. supply, diversity, competition and concentration). An overview prepared for the Ministry of Education and Culture.
Under the Tusk government, government influence on the media has declined. ...
Poland report
Under the Tusk government, government influence on the media has declined. Reporters without Borders registered a substantial increase in press freedom and ranked Poland 19 positions higher in 2009 than in 2007. In December 2008, parliament removed a controversial passage in the penal code that had punished libel with time in prison. The reform of the electronic media, which still show a strong bias in favor of the PiS, has been subject to greater controversy Rumor has it that the government was involved in a coup at the National Council of Radio and Television at the end of 2008, which resulted in the suspension of the PiS-leaning leadership of public television and, at the same time, made director of TV Polska a representative of a right-wing fringe party with dubious credentials. In May 2009, the governing coalition adopted a new media law which aimed at changing the composition of the National Council, but also expanded the powers of the council vis-à-vis journalists. Due to President Kaczyński's veto, however, the reform has not been enacted yet.
Reporters without Borders, Press Freedom Index (http://en.rsf.org/information-tools,803.html).
Television channels in the United Kingdom, both in the public and private ...
United Kingdom report
Television channels in the United Kingdom, both in the public and private sector, are required by law to be politically neutral, while no such requirement exists for the print media. The BBC, the country's leading public service broadcaster, is overseen by a board of governors and enjoys a large degree of political independence, although it has come under increasing scrutiny from party political interests (especially from the opposition) in recent years. This is to no small amount due to attempts to actively shape the media's agenda through "spin." After excessive use of this during the Blair government, attempts at indirect media control were reduced under Gordon Brown, in part in order to distance himself from his predecessor.
In practice, all governments engage in news management, but there is also a robust skepticism in the media about government and considerable freedom for journalists to dig into and exploit information. In the last two years, freedom of information requests (often resisted by the information owners) have been pivotal in exposing malpractice by politicians, especially in the context of the parliamentary expense-report and party funding scandals. There is some concern in the media about whether the strength of the libel laws inhibits investigative reporting, but also a societal disquiet over media intrusion into private affairs driven more by prurience than by true concern with the national interest.
Czech Rep.
The Czech Republic has traditionally been characterized by a high degree ...
Czech Republic report
The Czech Republic has traditionally been characterized by a high degree of media freedom. Formal restrictions on the free expression of opinion have been limited, public and private media have been largely independent from the government, and the press law has been liberal. Concerns about the freedom of the media have been raised by the so-called muzzle law that came into effect on April 1, 2009, passed by parliament with little opposition apart from the Communists. This measure established penalties of up to five years in prison for publishing the names of crime victims without their permission or for publishing any account drawn from police wiretaps in newspapers or on the Internet, TV or radio. A number of newspapers and journalists' organizations criticized this as a serious infringement on press freedom. The background to the first part of the law was the treatment of various child victims of crime. The second part was a reaction to a series of cases in which police investigations had found their way into the media, leaked by police officers, which served to compromise certain politicians. In some cases these helped expose corruption, as police investigations of this type were often mysteriously dropped before coming to court. Passing the law could be justified as an indirect means of enforcing discipline in the police force, but the effect was also to protect corrupt politicians.
Japanese media are free to report the news without official interference. ...
Japan report
Japanese media are free to report the news without official interference. While the courts have handled a few cases dealing with perceived censorship, there is no formal government mechanism infringing on the independence of the media. While NHK is a public broadcasting service, it stills enjoys freedom from interference in its reports. In 2007, there was some attempt by politicians to influence NHK´s reports on the North Korea issue, but this was successfully challenged.
Informally, however, media organizations have hesitated to take a strong stance against the government or to expose political scandals. Membership in journalist clubs has offered exclusive contacts. Established media members have feared losing this advantage, and have frequently taken nonadversarial opinions, although differences between major newspapers' standpoints can be identified.
The televisual media are required to be independent at election time, ...
Mexico report
The televisual media are required to be independent at election time, because the Federal Electoral Institute exerts strong supervision over the entire electoral process. Political parties have a degree of guaranteed access to television, with limits being imposed as well, and the process is organized by the IFE. Parties are not allowed to book television air time directly. Government access to the media is also restricted during election campaigns. Outside election campaigns (the dates of which are clearly defined), the government does not control the media. Partly because of its current minority status, the government probably needs the media – particularly the television broadcasters – more than the media needs the government. However, the dominant media companies are usually more interested in business than in politics, and use their power to push for commercial rather than political goals. This situation is somewhat dependent on the current political environment. The media has been essentially pro-government in Mexico for many years, mainly because Mexico's conservatives have consistently won national elections. There has thus been no basis for a major clash of culture or ideology. If the closely fought 2006 elections had been won by the leftist opposition party, then it is likely that government-media elections would have been tense.
Mexico's national press is free and independent of government influence. However, investigative journalism is not effectively protected by the government, which has been unable to shelter journalists investigating on the topic of organized crime. Mexican journalists often find themselves on the front line of the war on drugs if they dare expose the links between state agents and gang members. Many of them have given up investigations on this issue. Thus, while the government has not interfered politically in the media, the Mexican state has not been capable of guaranteeing journalists' safety as they perform their job in the areas of highest public concern.
After a long tradition of subordination to the government of the day, ...
Spain report
After a long tradition of subordination to the government of the day, legislation (Law 17/2006) on the state public radio and television service has transformed Radiotelevisión Española into an autonomous corporation that guarantees neutrality and objectivity vis-à-vis the central government, with a reinforced oversight role for the Spanish parliament and the introduction of an independent audiovisual authority. From 2008 to 2010, despite the rapid political weakening of the Zapatero cabinet as a consequence of the economic crisis, the incumbent government respected this institutionally protected independence; an attitude which contrasts with the direct influence exerted by some regional and local governments over subnational public radio and television networks.
Notwithstanding this, and with regard to political intervention in private broadcasting operations, it should be noted that the central government passed a decree law in August 2009 to license paid DTT services (oriented basically to the broadcast of pay-per-view Liga and Champions League football matches). This regulation was implemented against the legal advice of the consultative Council of State, and was aligned closely to the interests of a newly created communication group (Mediapro) which is ideologically close to the socialist party. Ironically, as the company most deeply harmed by the measure was the much more powerful and also ideologically center-left private communication giant Prisa, several conservative media organizations wound up praising this new licensing regime. Finally, a complete regulatory reform of the audiovisual sector was made in Law 7/2010, which was passed without the support of the main opposition party (PP). Throughout the period under review, this party has maintained a concerted alliance with the most conservative private newspapers, radio and television stations in what has been labeled as the "strategy of confrontation" against the government.
Media freedom is guaranteed by the constitution. There is no censorship in ...
Austria report
Media freedom is guaranteed by the constitution. There is no censorship in Austria, and new media in the electronic and print sectors can be established freely. Limits to the freedom of expression in the media are defined by law, and the courts ensure that these limits are enforced. The most stringent limits concern the prohibition of promoting Nazism and any other kinds of racial or religious hatred.
The Austrian judiciary tends to interpret the freedom to criticize politics and politicians more narrowly than the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg does. The ECHR has struck down some judgments by Austrian courts because it assumes that politicians must endure certain kinds of criticism otherwise not permitted in cases involving private individuals.
The state-owned public broadcasting system ORF, which is the dominant broadcaster, is in a delicate situation. On the one hand, its independence from the government is legally guaranteed; on the other hand, the government plays a decisive role in determining ORF's top management positions.
In principle, the independence of media from public authorities is ...
France report
In principle, the independence of media from public authorities is guaranteed by a complete set of constitutional, legislative and administrative rules. There is not much more that can be done to improve the legal status of the press.
On the other hand, there is a long tradition of government interference in the media, and many presidents and governments of the Fifth Republic have been accused of manipulating or improperly using the media. There are several channels of influence, reflecting certain structural weaknesses of the media system in France.
The perceptible dependency of the media on public authorities derives from factors such as the lack of a strong tradition of investigative journalism (leaving to a satirical weekly, Le Canard Enchaîné, the role of leaking information that other journalists or editors do not wish to publish in their own papers), the deferential attitude of some or the excessive partisan attitude of others. Moreover, most newspapers are facing financial difficulties. No daily newspaper could survive without the multifaceted subsidies provided by the state; however, these aids seem to be given according to objective criteria and are not linked with political pressure. Having to cope with weak resources from advertising and publicity, combined with the challenge from Internet publications, the print media are in a difficult position, making them more and more dependent on the generosity and good will of the state or from wealthy private investors. These latter are tempted to influence the line of their newspapers; moreover, they are sometimes closely linked to powerful politicians. Under President Sarkozy, several cases of intervention have occurred.
The division between the national press, which is very much embedded in the Parisian political milieu, and the local press, which usually survives by avoiding any potential conflict or polemics with local politicians, does not contribute to the strength of the printed media. In conclusion, the lack of a strong civil society and independent private media business tends to weaken the fundaments of real independence of the media.
The situation is obviously different in television and radio, which has fewer financial concerns. The competition between the public and private sector tends to ensure a better balance of coverage and on the whole, radio and television act relatively independently. However, it is remarkable that in 2008 on the occasion of the reform of the sector, Nicolas Sarkozy reclaimed the power of directly nominating the heads of public media, a tradition that the presidents of the Fifth Republic had used in full since 1958, before the nomination power was given to an independent body in 1986.
The Portuguese media system by and large continues to conform to the ...
Portugal report
The Portuguese media system by and large continues to conform to the criteria of media independence. However, as in the 2009 report, there continue to be increasingly worrying signs of alleged and/or attempted government interference with media operations. In September 2009, a popular television news program was cancelled. That news program (Jornal Nacional de 6ª– JN6, of the private TVI channel) had been very critical of the prime minister, and had been leading high-profile investigations on an alleged corruption scandal dating to the time when the prime minister was minister of the environment, in 2001. Moreover, the program had a very polemic style of reporting, which many disliked.
The prime minister publicly expressed criticism of this news program several times in 2009. In April of that year, he accused the program during a prime-time interview of being "a travesty of journalism" and of heading a "manhunt." In February 2009, during the Socialist Party congress, he alluded to "dark campaigns" against him, in which the media were included. Likewise, he stated that the government was chosen by the people, not the heads of TV channels, a reference widely interpreted even then as being aimed squarely at TVI.
The news program was due to return to the airwaves after the summer break on September 4, 2009, and had been promoted by its anchor heavily in the preceding days. However, it was cancelled on the day before airing (September 3), under circumstances that still today are not entirely clear. The TV channel said it decided to cancel the program to reinforce the homogeneity and consistency of its evening news program throughout the week (the Friday program was a ratings leader in its time slot, but it did also have a very grating and polemic style). However, the decision was not well received amongst the channel's journalists – the news editorial team resigned, and the channel's journalists signed a petition repudiating the cancellation. While the prime minister and the Socialist Party denied any involvement in the decision, other parties cried censorship, and argued that the TVI board's decision was influenced by the government's opinion.
These allegations gained further traction in early 2010. In June 2009, Portugal Telecom (in which the Portuguese state retains a "golden share" as well as some influence) was involved in a quickly aborted attempt to purchase TVI. At the time, the prime minister stated in parliament that he did not know of this deal, and two days later said the government would veto this purchase through use of its "golden share." However, a corruption case involving a close ally of Sócrates was to reopen allegations of government interference, giving rise to allegations that Sócrates not only knew of the deal but it was the government that had orchestrated the deal to buy TVI in order to silence its criticism. No case was opened against Sócrates, who has strenuously denied the allegations. However, opposition parties see this as further evidence of attempts to control the media, and a poll carried out in March 2010 showed that the majority of Portuguese citizens thought the prime minister deliberately lied to parliament. In an unprecedented move, the opposition parties voted for the opening of a commission of inquiry to investigate the prime minister's involvement in the PT/TVI deal. This commission, which began its work in April 2010, was the first in the history of Portuguese democracy to question a sitting prime minister.
According to Articles 28, 29 and 30 of the constitution, the media is free ...
Turkey report
According to Articles 28, 29 and 30 of the constitution, the media is free and independent. Freedom of the press can be restricted only by law. Although Article 29 of Law No. 3984 restricts media owners' shareholder rights, media owners in fact have substantial investments in other sectors, including energy. The presence of such economic and financial relations between the government and media owners through processes of privatization, public procurement, and the issuing of concessions, privileges and royalties undermines media independence. Members of the Supreme Board of Radio and Television are selected by the Grand National Assembly, rendering it difficult for the body to exercise the provisions of Law No. 3984 to secure "impartial" and "fair" broadcasts. Additionally, the government appoints the general director of the public broadcast institution, the Radio and Television Institution of Turkey (under Law No. 2954 on Radio and Television of Turkey). Therefore, the government is able to exercise a relative tutelage over the administration of the public media. The pro-government tone of TRT, the public radio and television company, has recently intensified, especially with respect to news and idea-focused programming. However, it has also been differentiating the content of broadcast by providing a range of programs, including a separate channel for Kurdish language broadcasts.
Political pressures on the media and legal uncertainties affect the freedom of the press in practice. Media companies are split into "proponents" and "opponents" of the government. It is argued that the government has facilitated the establishment of "proponent" media organizations by providing easy credit, and also by indirectly threatening "opponent" media owners by opening tax-related procedures against them. The prime minister and senior political leaders have asked the public as a whole, the members of his party and governmental institutions not to buy, not to read the newspapers and not to watch the television channels owned by the strongest media group, the Doğan Media Holding.
As to other examples of political pressure or intervention, in the period under investigation the prime minister has exhorted media owners to interfere with editorial independence, to tell columnists how and what to write, and to take responsibility for the writings of their employees. The government and the ruling party have also retained the ambiguous clause 301 of the Turkish penal code, allowing court cases against critical intellectuals, journalists and academics to go on. The prime minister bluntly interfered in the transfer of ownership of a large-scale television channel (ATV) and an influential newspaper (Sabah), seeking to assure media support for his government.
Government indirectly influences media through staffing, financial or other means.
Though the state-owned media offers news coverage in a pluralist fashion, ...
Greece report
Though the state-owned media offers news coverage in a pluralist fashion, the incumbent government nevertheless retains channels through which to influence the content of media coverage. For example, the government appoints the board of directors of ERT (Hellenic Radio and Television), which is a large public organization overseeing all state-owned TV and radio stations. The Secretariat of Information - Secretariat of Communication fully controls the finances of ERT, which is funded by the general population in the following compulsory manner: All legal persons and house or apartment occupiers who use electricity (i.e., practically everyone) pay a compulsory fee to ERT, which is included in their electricity bill. Bills are issued bimonthly by the country's single, state-owned energy company, the Public Power Corporation (DEI). In other words, the state-owned media tax the population as a whole, but such media are at the disposal of the governing elite. Through its control of the ERT governing body, the incumbent government appoints and dismisses all ERT directors. In that respect, there is insufficient protection against potential government influence, although compared to the past (the 1980s and the early 1990s) the government has loosened its grip over the electronic media.
The political affiliation of the media in Hungary is rather strong. This ...
Hungary report
The political affiliation of the media in Hungary is rather strong. This applies to both public and private media. The government's influence on the media was limited by the fact that Fidesz succeeded in securing a strong position in the public media even before the parliamentary elections in April 2010. The Gyurcsány government infringed upon the independence of media by openly boycotting pro-opposition media. The Bajnai government took a less partisan approach.
In any examination of the media system in Italy, a distinction must be ...
Italy report
In any examination of the media system in Italy, a distinction must be made between printed media and television. Printed media (newspapers and weekly publications) are quite pluralistic both in terms of ownership and of ideological orientation, and the influence of the government is limited. More relevant in this domain is the influence of economic groups.
The influence of the government is more keenly felt in the television sector. The state-owned broadcast system has traditionally been organized along a "consociational model," which provides for representation of all major political positions. The influence of the government is in part counterbalanced by the role of the parliamentary committee ("Commissione parlamentare per l'indirizzo generale e la vigilanza dei servizi radiotelevisivi," established by law in 1975) tasked with overseeing radio and television, which is always chaired by a member of the opposition party. The serving government typically has the strongest influence on the news services of the first channel (and its director is typically a person "friendly" to the government). Other channels are closer to the opposition.
All in all, there is strong evidence that Italy media independence is being damaged. Its rank in the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index has continued to fall, reaching 49th place (worst of the six European Community/European Union founding countries) in 2009. Since 2008, Freedom House has listed Italy as the only "partly free" country in Western Europe, with all others receiving the "free" rating. Mafia actions against journalists, the government's draft wiretap and "gag" law, and agitation and legal action by Berlusconi against journalists and their media employers have all strongly interfered with the independence of the media.
Under the Fico government, the Slovakian media's independence ...
Slovakia report
Under the Fico government, the Slovakian media's independence deteriorated significantly. The Fico government took a critical stance towards the media and routinely accused them of partisan bias in favor of the opposition. It staffed the Council for Broadcasting and Retransmission, which supervises public TV and radio stations, with political loyalists and interfered with public broadcasting programming. The new Press Act, which went into force in June 2008, introduced restrictions on media coverage of issues such as war, cruel acts or drugs, thereby limiting access to information. The Press Act also put the government rather than the courts in charge of ensuring compliance with these restrictions, thus increasing government influence on the media. Finally, the Act further expanded the media's obligations to publish counterstatements irrespective of the truth of the original reporting and without editorial intervention. Several cabinet members sued the press for libel, thus raising concerns that the financial risks associated with libel suits may lead to self-censorship. In the ranking of press freedom provided by Reporters without Borders, Slovakia's position fell drastically from rank 3 in 2007 to rank 44 in 2009.
Reporters without Borders, Press Freedom Index (http://en.rsf.org/information-tools,803.html)
South Korea
In the 2009 Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders, ...
South Korea report
In the 2009 Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders, Korea placed 69 out of 175 countries. This represented a fall of 22 places compared to 2008, and was one of the lowest rankings among OECD countries. Korea was also put on the list of "countries under surveillance." The report criticizes the prosecution of journalists from the MBC program PD Diary. Journalists were accused of exaggerating the danger of mad cow disease, an issue that triggered massive protests against the import of U.S. beef in 2008. The makers of the program were acquitted of prosecutors' accusation that they had "defamed government officials and obstructed businesses involved in importing U.S. beef."
Another case criticized by the report is the arrest of Internet blogger "Minerva" (whose real name was Park Dae-sung), "on the grounds that he affected 'foreign exchange markets' and the 'nation's credibility' through his posts on the financial crisis in a discussion forum." He too was acquitted of the charges against him.
In April 2009, South Korea's Act on the Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and User Protection was amended. The amendment requires all websites with at least 100,000 (previously 300,000) visitors per day to identify their users by their real names, a change that was criticized as a limit on the freedom of speech.
The government was also accused of replacing or influencing the replacement of chief executives of several major public broadcasters and media companies, including the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS), Korean Broadcasting Advertising Corporation, Arirang TV, Sky Life and Yonhap Television Network (YTN). Some of the new appointees are believed to be supporters of the government. Amnesty International also reported that "protests against the appointment of the new YTN President Ku Bon-hong, a former aide to President Lee Myung-bak, resulted in Ku Bon-hong suing 12 trade union journalists and firing six journalists for 'interfering with business.'" There are also accusations that the early replacement of the president of broadcaster MBC in February 2010 was politically motivated. MBC labor unions went on strike in early April 2010 to protest the change.
Joong Ang Daily, 21 January and 20 February 2010.
The Hankoreh 10 April 2009
Reporters without Borders, Report South Korea, http://en.rsf.org/report-south-kore a,59.html
Amnesty International Korea Report 2009, Herald 6 April 2010
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Major media outlets are frequently influenced by government pressure.
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Key concepts
Even in democracies, the media's role as information provider can be undermined by governmental or oligopolistic control.
The access to information criterion examines government influence over the media (media freedom), and the media's ownership structure, under the assumption that diversified ownership is more likely to present a wide range of viewpoints (media pluralism). The criterion also examines the extent to which citizens can obtain official information (access to government information).
Media freedom can be limited when the government appoints a supervisory board, when organizational financing depends on the government, or when the government directly interferes in daily activity or the establishment of general guidelines.
The source of media financing (government subsidies, consumer fees or advertisements) is also important in evaluating the strength of media pluralism and organizations' independence of government control.
Performance comparison
Use drop-down menus for selections. In all cases, higher scores reflect better performance.


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How do I obtain a copy of my medical records?
To obtain copies of your medical records, you may print the "Authorization for Release of Medical Information" PDF form and mail it directly to the facility or specific office you are requesting records from. We do not accept requests for medical records by e-mail over the Internet. Please allow 7-10 business days for your records to be copied.
Please complete the authorization form, include all information requested and be specific as to dates of service or the types of reports needed. If the record is being released directly to your private physician or another health care facility, there is no charge associated with copying your records.
If you have a follow-up appointment, be sure to include the date of your appointment. However, if you request copies to be released to yourself or others, there are photocopying charges.
For more information contact: Northwest Hospital, Health Information Management, 5401 Old Court Road Randallstown, MD 21133, (410) 521-2200 x 55610

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By: Marcie Fraser
When it comes to risk factors and cancer, some are unavoidable, such as genetics. But on the other hand, the American Cancer Society is working hard to help you learn what is causing it and how to prevent it. Marcie Fraser reports.
"We know that there is a direct correlation between tobacco use and second hand smoke with lung cancer and heart disease," said Kristie Robertson, American Cancer Society.
Age is also a risk factor. As we get older, our cancer risk increases.
"Most of the cancer risk factors are with older people but we're certainly noticing trends with younger children being obese at earlier ages and epidemic crosses all over age groups," said Robertson. The rate of obesity for children is alarming. Research shows obesity is directly related to colon cancer and breast cancer.
"On average, two out of three are overweight because of processed food, lack of physical activity, sedentary lifestyle that are contributing to cancer," said Robertson. Decreasing your risk can be as easy as eating more fruits and vegetables. "One third of cancer deaths are tied to obesity and we need to focus on better diet and nutrition," said Robertson.
Eating right and exercising can reduce your risk, but how much? Many people don't exercise enough, but there are guidelines for everyone to follow.
"The American Cancer Society encourages 20 to 30 minutes, five days a week. That behavior will keep weight down and have a healthy weight throughout life," said Robertson.
The American Cancer Society is doing research right now to help pinpoint other possible links to cancer. If you are interested in participating, log onto www.cancer.org/cps3.


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+ 8 = eleven
I just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know that the album and photo's arrived safely a couple of Saturday's ago. Apologies I've taken so long in letting you know but we have been away.Mike and I are really pleased with the pictures – they're a really good record of the day, which seems like a lifetime ago now! Many thanks once again, and if I know of anyone getting married, or indeed needing a photographer, I certainly wont hesitate to recommend you. Best Wishes
Carolyn Scrivener - Bride


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Cellar/Tasting Notes The 2006 Insignia (95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot; 16,000 cases produced) is a superb effort in this vintage. Another 30+ year wine, it boasts a dense plum/purple color as well as abundant notes of licorice, black currants, charcoal, black olives, and graphite. Full-bodied, pure, and..
Cellar/Tasting Notes "The 2009 Dominus flows from the glass with layers of highly expressive fruit. The wine possesses stunning richness, power and depth. Dark red fruit, tobacco, flowers and spices are woven into a seamless, beautifully articulated finish. Elegance and intensity are in perfect harmony here. This is a..
Cellar/Tasting Notes "The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is gorgeous. Layers of dark red fruit, flowers, spices and licorice are some of the notes that emerge in this beautifully delineated, expressive Cabernet. The fruit shows fabulous vibrancy through to the silky, perfumed finish. This is a beautiful 2009 loaded with class..
Cellar/Tasting Notes "The 2010 Chardonnay The Judge is quite reserved, especially next to the other wines in this lineup. Layers of rich fruit are hidden behind a wall of structure. Right now, the 2010 is all about potential, but the integration of fruit, oak and minerality is hugely promising."
Cellar/Tasting Notes "The 2009 Passionnement (Cabernet Sauvignon) is a beautifully focused, layered wine. Sweet roses, flowers of all sorts, dark red berries, licorice and new leather flow gracefully from this supple, silky wine. The Passionnement possesses lovely textural depth and plenty of volume in a racy, sleek..
Cellar/Tasting Notes "The 2008 Claret (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) has that ethereal nose of spring flowers, boysenberry, blueberry, black currant, and spice. Following that seductive aromatic display, Foleys brilliance is again exhibited in the mouthfeel of this seamless wine, which has full-bodied flavors, no hard..
Cellar/Tasting Notes Saturates every corner of the palate with layers after layers of rich dark fruit, mocha, spices and licorice. This is a stunning To Kalon endowed with tons of site-specific character and nuance..." Antonio Gallioni
Cellar/Tasting Notes "This wine continues a long-standing tradition, showing a mastery of the art of blending. Its made using grapes that are sourced from at least six vineyards scattered from Yountville to St. Helena. Right out of the bottle, its a soft, smoothly tannic wine thats rich in blackberry jam, black..
Cellar/Tasting Notes "How much fun collectors will have comparing the 2007 and 2008 La Joies over the next three decades. A blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec (48% from Alexander Valley Mountain Estate, 34% from Chalk Hill and 18% from Knight's Valley), the..
Cellar/Tasting Notes "The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon bursts from the glass with rich, dark red fruit, smoke, licorice and incense. The aromas and flavors are a touch ripe, exotic and totally seductive. Polished, silky tannins frame the fruit beautifully through to the finish, where floral notes add the lift and..


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The controversial Affordable Housing Bill 120755 for Point Breeze--why I support it
By Councilman Kenyatta Johnson
In recent weeks, there have been many questions surrounding my support for Bill 120755, part of the city's housing initiative to stabilize three neighborhoods, one of which is Point Breeze in South Philadelphia. It is a plan that was created before I took office this year, but one I endorse because it supports housing for everyone and, in so doing, will create strong and viable neighborhoods, which will better serve our city in the future.
Opposition to the bill has been fueled by misinformation disseminated over the internet by a handful of people who believe that all available land in Point Breeze should be sold to the highest bidder and used to build houses that sell for in excess of $250,000. Their rationale is that the lots are eyesores, that they have money to buy them and should be able to do so and build and sell homes as they wish.
As the City Councilman for parts of Center City, South and Southwest Philadelphia and a lifelong resident of Point Breeze, I support and welcome new development, and I look forward to the day when Point Breeze thrives again. However, I also believe that, as the neighborhood changes, the approach to rebuilding it must be a well thought out one that includes those who live in Point Breeze already, those who have moved in recently and those who may want to move here in the future. This is why I support the initiative to create affordable housing in the area.
Here is why I think you should too: First and foremost, by creating neighborhoods that have housing for people of different income levels, we build viable communities with a stronger tax base, allowing us to better support our schools, parks, police, fire and other city needs. In addition, we eliminate situations in which the poorest and most vulnerable citizens are concentrated and isolated in communities and geographical areas that do not thrive and therefore do not help support our tax base to its fullest. Further, no money will be taken away from parks and recreation centers, libraries or teachers as has been suggested by a petition that has been circulated in opposition to the bill, because the funds targeted for the housing initiative are restricted for neighborhood revitalization by law.
Although Point Breeze has garnered most of the attention lately, the plan to build affordable housing in Philadelphia also includes Mantua and Nicetown. All three neighborhoods were chosen when the city applied for federal stimulus funds in 2008 and 2009. One of the criteria set by the federal government for picking neighborhoods was that the areas contain high numbers of vacant, blighted lots and properties in foreclosure.
In Point Breeze, 93 properties were identified for acquisition. It was later determined that 50 of them were likely to be developed through the private sector and they were removed from the list. Last month, my office made efforts to contact owners and developers to ascertain the status of the remaining properties and, where warranted, took steps to have their properties removed from the list. As a result, 13 more properties were removed from the list, leaving 30 - 19 privately-owned and 11 city-owned - for development. We took this unusual step because the goal is not to stop development.
All properties were chosen because they sit next to or near properties that were already owned by the city and their acquisition will give the city the parcels it needs to build on. The properties are being purchased and developed with funds that are restricted for neighborhood revitalization.
Proposals to build the homes will be sought in early 2013. The houses will be similar to the market-rate housing around them that are selling for $250,000 to $300,000. However, the financing for the homes will be such that those who meet income and other guidelines will be able to purchase them at a more affordable price.
The 19 privately-owned properties being sought by the city represent only a fraction of the 1,000 lots owned by private citizens There are $50,764 in back taxes owed on the properties, and they have liens against them totaling $169,460. Further, none of the owners have indicated that they plan to develop the properties in the near future.
I am personally working with the PRA to ensure that City-owned properties that have not been targeted for affordable housing development be sold in a much more timely, efficient and transparent manner.
People have asked why the city can't develop on the land that it already owns. Most of the 311 city-owned properties lie outside the section of Point Breeze that is appreciating in value so affordability is not an issue.
My support for the affordable Housing Bill is based upon my belief that all people, regardless of income and background, should have access to the Point Breeze Community. As such, my office will continue to work with developers to bring viable projects to the Point Breeze Community, but there must be balance and a level of fairness in the process.
+ Top Story
New York's attorney general on Monday accused Wells Fargo and Bank of America of violating the terms of last year's national mortgage settlement by failing to process hundreds of refinancing requests promptly.
Christine Pacheco, director of career services at The Art Institute of Colorado, and Kristin Frank, director of career services at The Art Institute of Phoenix, share the top dos you should include to get noticed and get your foot in the door - and the don'ts that could get your resume tossed in the trash.
Whether you're one of those people in need of a personal trainer or you're looking for work in a dismal job market, the bureau of labor statistics reports "employment of fitness trainers and instructors is expected to grow by 24 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations."
President Barack Obama's fiscal year 2014 budget is unlike any previous presidential budget request in recent history. It is not a statement of the president's vision for the federal budget. It does not represent what he thinks is the best course of action for spending, taxation, and...
Sheryl Sandberg. By now you know who she is, you've heard her story, and you have her book. You know the whole shebang, and you've made up your mind whether you like her or not. I must admit that before I met her in person, I was not an immediate fan.
African American investors report high levels of confidence in their financial future, along with optimism about the political and economic future of the country, according to a recent Wells Fargo nationwide survey.
A new report reveals houses are selling faster and for more money, yet another indicator of a rebounding housing market. According to the National Association of Realtors, full-year sales of previously owned homes increased by 9 percent in 2012 over the previous year.
The migration of women from the workforce into business ownership is one of the great economic realizations of the American Dream. The U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce has grown to more than 500,000 members.


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Spring is here. It's official, not just a feeling or hope anymore. While for the past couple of weeks I've been detailing trends and must-buys, there's one item that you can't pass up this April no matter what. A floral silk dress. Easy, comfortable and versatile, this one piece can take you from work (cover
Tag Archives: Shopping Advice
I know it may still be cold in certain parts of the country, heck it's even still chilly in Los Angeles, but peeks of sun and sporadic warm days are upon us and that means it's officially Spring! Time to re-vamp the wardrobe, clean your closet and pick up a few new, and essential pieces. As I've mentioned before Target is the perfect retailer for this.
Super excited to announce that I'll be a panelist today on The Style Network's Jeannie Mai's new show on Google+ called Wearapy. We'll be discussing the pyschology of style and how colors, prints and textures affect your moods, and brighten or dampen your day. Hope you all can join tomorrow at 4PM PST and 7PM EST.
Lace may remind you of racy lingerie, but as witnessed on the Spring 2013 runways last September, it's actually a totally wearable daytime option. While I don't wear clothes straight off the runway—I wish—I do use inspiration from the shows in NYC and Paris when I refresh my wardrobe each season.


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Promoted on the front page of Taipei Times was the Taipei Shark Conference.
Delegates from around the world attended to present 'papers' on various aspects of shark fishing and research. The theme was 'to put a halt to the wastage associated with shark fining'.
It was understandable to me why fishermen in international waters would dump shark 'barrels' and retain just the fins – freezer space was reserved for more valuable tuna and marlin.
The conference theme attacked Taiwanese coastal fishermen for wasting shark.
Hostile local fishermen arrived and presented their defense.
Co-organizer, Wild Aid had egg on their face when they published in the official magazine for the conference (in two language separate editions) a ' faked' library photograph depicting the wasted barrel of a shark on the ocean floor.
Whoever had hacked the dorsal fin from that shark had used a blunt knife - definitely not a professional fisherman. It was a wrong choice of library picture that undermined a good argument.
Taiwanese coastal fishermen did not waste shark.
After three days of talking and presentations, in various languages requiring translation it was over.
A VHS video tape showing thousands of sharks fins being dried outdoors in South Africa would have helped Wild Aid's argument that shark fins were big business, had it arrived in time for a screening.
Only a dozen people were able to view the documentary on a TV in the foyer, after the conference had concluded.
An increase in the use of shark as seafood
This may seem a positive step but in reality it increased the consumption of the heavy metal mercury which is found in all large sharks and many fish. End of the food chain predator stuff. Avoid eating marlin and swordfish.
Out-of-date shark finning stories continue to circulate on the internet. Behind the push is usually a request for financial donations. An exaggeration of pain upon the sharks is often quoted.
Where once sharks were feared and loathed, today they are loved. The same well-intending shark lovers rarely consider the pain of laboratory animals.
It's interesting to note that one of the largest Great White sharks ever known was caught of Hualien 20 years ago.
Some sharks lay eggs which resembled the seaweed.
I helped make this semi-educational shark movie show.
It did well when first released. We were inexperienced at film distribution and could have grossed many times what we did. In those times life had other priorities. Work was not one of them.
Musician turned shark film producer Henri Bource.
The missing leg occurred during a chance encounter with a Great white shark. The 'attack' gave Henri much publicity – especially his return to the sea to film sharks.
Henri used self-hypnosis to eliminate the phantom pains associated with a missing limb.
He could speak easily 'about losing a leg in the accident' but in the same breath believed he did not have a handicap.
At one stage he told us he wanted to join the army as a commando. (With one leg)?
His feature length film Savage Shadows received moderate success in cinemas.
A reconstruction of the accident and his rescue is often presented on You Tube as being the real thing.
I made appearances in the film, helping Henri to find sharks off southern Queensland.
We remained close friends until he passed away several years ago from a leukemia-related problem.
Shark film history trivia
A more important piece of Savage Shadows shows the first underwater footage of Great white sharks – filmed simultaneously by Ron Taylor nearer the surface and Henri Bource from a cage.
Ron later was contracted to film live shark sequences for the first JAWS movie at the same location, Dangerous Reef, South Australia.
Both cameramen captured a dramatic 'shark eating another shark' event on the same expedition.
The sharks were four-meter Great whites. Scary stuff to see.
Yet today there are divers who risk everything to swim alongside such a shark, presumably selecting a well-fed specimen first.


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About ACNM|Renew/Join|Affiliate Resources|Midwife Jobs|Corporate Opportunities|Contact Us
Return to Advocacy - American College of Nurse-Midwives > Grassroots Advocacy
Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in ACNM Virtual Lobby Week. Because of your efforts, 160 calls were made to 79 congressional offices. Now it's time to celebrate International Day of the Midwife, Saturday, May 5. Check out the 24-hour virtual celebration schedule of events here.
How do you make a difference in the lives of women and famililes in your community? Use your voice to deliver your story to Capitol Hill during ACNM Virtual Lobby Week May 1-3. To gear up for International Day of the Midwife, midwives will be contacting their legislators all week to raise this collective refrain: Midwives are high quality, cost effective solutions to the health care workforce shortage!
Participating in Lobby Week is simple. All you need is a phone and e-mail access. You can complete these 5 easy steps in about 15 minutes whenever it is convenient for you—on your lunch break or even while your toddler naps.
1.Sign up for Capwiz action alerts (You already automatically receive these if you are an ACNM member.)
2. Open the e-mail you receive on May 1 and click on "take action."
3. Enter your zip code and follow the instructions for contacting your legislators.
4. After your calls, follow up with e-mails to your legislators, or their staff members, with whom you spoke or left messages.
5. Briefly tell us about your experience in the feedback box at the bottom of the call script in the Capwiz system.
Help celebrate International Day of the Midwife by forwarding this page to at least five midwives today (see share feature at the top of the page to send via Facebook, Twitter, e-mail or other virtual platform).
RSVP on Facebook at the Virtual Lobby Week event page to see who else is participating.
Take the state challenge; the state that logs the most calls by May 3 will be recognized at the ACNM 57th Annual Meeting & Exposition in Long Beach, CA, June 2-7, 2012.
Use thes tools to make your experience easy and effective:
1. Sample call script and video demo
2. Talking points
3. Find your legislators
4. Tips for communicating with legislators and their staff
5. Follow up e-mail example
If you have questions about Virtual Lobby Week, contact Monica Greenfield at email@example.com or 240-485-1844.
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Choose from over 700 varieties of red wine, white, rose, sparkling and fortified wines from Drinkfinder, all available to buy online and delivered direct to your door.
From full bodied reds to light and fruity white wines our selection has something for everyone's palette. If you are looking for a special gift why not send a case of wine, a wine gift box set or choose a bottle from a certain vintage or wine region.
If your not sure which wine to chose then why not try one of our recommended wines or our bestsellers, and if you would like some advice as to which wine goes well with certain foods or advice on a good vintage, feel free to give us a call!
Decanter Awards, The international Wine Challenge and the International Wine & Spirit Competition taste, review and critique thousands of wines each year from all over the world. When you see these logos you can trust the wine is of exceptional quality and taste.
see all recommended >Torres Fransola Sauvignon Blanc 2010 13% 75cl
The best wines are achieved by listening to nature. That's why more than twenty years ago, we chose the privileged surroundings of Fransola, a hist...
New to Drink Finder
see all new >Green Point Vintage 12.5% 75cl
Greenpoint Vintage brut is a classic blend of chardonnay and Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, blended with over 30 individual wines and aged on yeast ...
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