Many Voices, One World

Originally published in 1980 and now back in print, Many Voices, One World came out of hundreds of international studies and proposed reforms for global communication media to ensure a free flow of information. Prepared by the distinguished MacBride Commission—and frequently referred to as the MacBride Report—it criticized corporate control of media flows and suggested ways to make media production accessible in poorer countries. Beginning with the right of individuals and nations to communicate, this report tackled problems related to government controls, censorship, one-way flows of information, cultural dominance, and commercialization of the mass media. It called for more voices, more freedom of expression, and the protection of journalists' rights. Still widely taught and cited, the MacBride Report is a key work in the history of communication that continues to be relevant today.

Many Voices, One World...[is]a praiseworthy merit in more than one way and a highly recommended resource for young and established scholars in the field of international communication.

Sean MacBride was an international human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize–winner who served as chair of the International Commission for the Study of Communication Problems for UNESCO. Also known as The MacBride Commission, this distinguished group included Elie Abel, Hubert Beuve-Mery, Elebe Ma Ekonzo, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Sergei Losev, Mochtar Lubis, Mustapha Mosmoudi, Michio Nagai, Fred Isaac Akporuaro Omu, Bogdan Osolnik, Gamel El Oteifi, Johannes Pieter Pronk, Juan Somavia, Boobli George Verghese, and Betty Zimmerman.