ICTs and the Communicative Conditions for Democracy

Abstract

In this chapter, the contribution of new information and communication technologies to enhancing democracy at the local level is articulated as a practical and empirical question that pertains to the locally established patterns and practices of public communication. It is suggested that in order to realize the democratic potential inherent in ICTs, the compartmentalized, hierarchical and one-way practices of both administrative-political machinery and the mainstream media must be exposed and challenged through concrete action. The article draws upon a participatory action research project in which alternative, dialogical and citizen-oriented forms of web-mediated public communication were created and maintained in close collaboration with grass-roots civic actors and groups. In the experimental project, specific efforts were made to enable and encourage online encounters between those local stakeholders that rarely meet in the discursive public spaces of mainstream media.

E-Government and Local Governance in Canada: An Examination of Front Line Challenges and Federal Tensions

“…In terms of the former, much as the Internet and cyberspace accords national governments new opportunities to serve a geographically dispersed public, the same is true for both one-way communications and more interactive forms of democratic outreach and engagement. Furthermore, an increasingly instantaneous (and multi-channel) media environment better informs citizens of issues and processes at all government levels, but it is reasonable to presume at least some potential for a digital advantage of sorts to favour national level issues that are often more conducive to commercialized media forms, sound-bites and the 'spin wars' of a heavily and digitally politicized environment (Ridel 2001).…”

E-Government and Multi-Level Governance

“…At issue here is the notion of trust as a basis for democratic legitimacy (Oliver, 2004). Several recent studies have demonstrated rising cynicism and disenchantment toward traditional political structures and mechanisms, whereas trust levels are rising in more peer-based, flexible, and grassroots-oriented organizations such as non-governmental organizations (Oates, 2003;Ridell, 2001). The implications for e-government as e-democracy are contested notions of whether the objectives of reform should be to incrementally improve existing representational models (i.e., through e-voting and greater links between elected officials and citizens), or more radically devise new and more participatory mechanisms of direct public involvement in decision-making.…”

“…In terms of the former, much as the Internet and cyberspace accords national governments new opportunities to serve a geographicallydispersed public, the same is true for both one-way communications and more inter-active forms of democratic outreach and engagement. Furthermore, an increasingly instantaneous (and multi-channel) media environment better informs citizens of issues and processes at all government levels, but it is reasonable to presume at least some potential for a digital advantage of sorts to favor national level issues that are often more conducive to commercialized media forms, sound-bites, and the "spin wars" of a heavily-and digitally-politicized environment (Ridell, 2001).…”