Ducking the Party Line: Lessons in Community Radio from Laos and China.

In democratic countries, community radio is widely recognised as a legitimate, egalitarian and accessible form of expression, coexisting alongside public service and commercial radio. When the imperatives of government are not democratic, community radio can be misunderstood, or even considered a threat. The countries under discussion, China and Laos, follow a communist ideology and the political, social and economic conditions have traditionally supported state, rather than independent media. However, the realities of globalisation and market forces have caused both countries to embark on a programme of modernization, which creates some potential for community radio. This chapter discusses the legislative, social and economic conditions in Laos and China which relate to community radio. Comparing examples of good practice from both countries, it outlines the extent to which these conditions have supported the growth of community radio.