Tettey, WisdomEizlini, Gaelle2005-08-162005-08-1620040612976890http://hdl.handle.net/1880/41485Bibliography: p. 130-143In Huntington's (1991) study of democratization, the press, or information media are barely mentioned, and the focus is on authoritarian control of the media, or how outside media influence a state's transition to democracy. Using a contingency model, and an understanding of the place of the media and media freedom from Mill and Habermas, this study will examine the media policies and legal instruments of two African states: Ghana and Zimbabwe. Examining current media policy (legal instruments, guarantees and state regulatory bodies) in Ghana and Zimbabwe offer interesting contrasts in their current attitudes towards the press and the kinds of press environments they are creating and how those affect democratization. Ghana has moved very aggressively to open media space which has created an environment of broad support for democracy. While in Zimbabwe, the Mugabe government has systematically targeted the independent media leading to a general reduction of the democratic impulse.iv, 143 leaves ; 30 cm.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.master thesis10.11575/PRISM/10873AC1 .T484 2004 E52