Why hasn't development journalism solved the aid accountability problem?

[Carla Murphy]

Isn't there a lot of ink out there on development issues?  Why is there still a problem with aid accountability? As far as media coverage of development, what's the hole that needs to be plugged?

[Elizabeth Corley]

Good question. What kind of data do they need to access? Also, how do people get information? Check out a newly launched site that analyzes media use, information flows and communication habits in developing countries at www.audiencescapes.org.

[Carla Murphy]

Hi Elizabeth, Sorry to have disappeared. I was so excited to click on the site you recommended but I came up against a problem I see with a lot of dev sites: they're only talking to each other and not the general public. I wish they'd use plain English not development jargon. I'll invest some time to figure exactly what AudienceScapes is and does, though. Since I was last here, I've tried to answer my own question. Check out www.develophaiti.wordpress.com and let me know what you think. It's a one-woman shop and work in progress so please, go easy on me! :-)

Elizabeth Corley said:

Good question. What kind of data do they need to access? Also, how do people get information? Check out a newly launched site that analyzes media use, information flows and communication habits in developing countries at www.audiencescapes.org.