WHAT WE DO

In transitional and post-conflict societies where a free and independent media, the crucial ‘fourth estate’ of democracy, is still an aspiration rather than reality, governments often have to overcome an instinct for central control and censorship. Transparency can be a concept that is difficult to grasp and the temptation to restrict media and information systems, rather than develop the mechanisms of open government, may be strong. Just as the free exchange of ideas is the mark of a democratic society, robust, innovative and competitive telecommunication systems are vital drivers of a modern market economy. Technology now dictates that you cannot have one without the other. Understanding the connection between the two is crucial.

Twenty-first century real time communications brings both benefits and challenges. In the maelstrom of our multimedia age information overload from television, radio, mobile phones, newspapers and the internet makes it difficult to filter fact from fiction. Furthermore, communications technology is increasingly affordable and available, to individuals as well as governments, and the speed at which information reaches the public challenges organisations more than ever. So how do governments, institutions and corporations make sense of this new, seemingly chaotic environment?

Strategic Communications When does data become information, information become power, and power become wisdom? Communications technology today allows for such rapid exchange of data that our own traditional understanding of this process is hard to grasp. Albany Associates aims to make sense of this new, seemingly chaotic environment by demonstrating the benefits of a strategic approach to communication.

Strategic communications is about creating benign enabling environments for the effective and sustainable implementation of policy, programs, development and reform. It is about attitude, opinion and behaviour and how these can be encouraged, shaped or changed to support and contribute to achieving desired outcomes.

It encompasses not just providing information but countering disinformation. It is a comprehensive and holistic process fundamental to an overall strategic plan, filtering down to operational and tactical levels. It includes the broader concepts of public education, media development and the fostering of freedom of expression as a mechanism for informed open discussion. Albany recognises that every contact with any target audience is a conduit and every action has a positive or negative communications impact. Our approach has been developed by working with some of the world’s leading academics and professional communications specialists. Albany has developed evidence based methodologies to provide clients with flexible, communications strategies and plans to keep pace with the changing political and security circumstances of many of the world’s most volatile and chaotic environments. We have considerable experience of working in situations where traditional western models of communications and electronic media do not apply and where information exchange depends on participatory, innovative and culturally sensitive engagement. Albany understands through practical experience that ownership of programs and local buy in is vital to their success and that listening is as important as talking.

Albany Associates brings considerable experience of working across government departments and with a variety of international organisations and donors. We have also accumulated a demonstrable understanding of how to harness civil society and grass roots organisations and make the vital connection between policy and implementation. Albany has also developed innovative and practical ways to inform policy makers and implementers.

Regulation Albany believes in the right to freedom of expression. However, balancing the right of freedom of expression with regulation has always been a delicate operation. The media is a very powerful force in society shaping peoples’ perceptions and often determining the course of events, for good or bad. In the countries where Albany has worked on media regulation, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Iraq and the UAE, it has taken a practical and effective approach to both introducing and strengthening media regulation. Albany determines the real and legal conditions under which the media operates, always mindful that while it is important to aspire to international best practice a ‘one size fits all’ approach must be avoided. The cultural, economic and political situation of each unique environment must also be taken into consideration.

Whether for broadcast or print media, answering the question of how to create good regulation is far from easy. Explaining the difference between censorship and legitimate regulation is something in which Albany is very experienced. A great deal of time and energy is devoted to discussing this difference with stakeholders long before Albany starts designing a regulatory regime. The media can also play a negative role in the reconstruction of post-conflict societies or in a democratisation process. For instance, the media may, through incitement to hatred and violence, create or prolong a conflict, as happened in the Balkans. In addition, concentration of ownership and control of an inaccurate and tendentious media can also complicate reconstruction efforts. It is not just media legislation and regulation as such that is of relevance. Many related issues play a role, including defamation legislation and competition rules or restrictions on the work of journalists. Rules for the use of telecommunications as a means to access and spread information can also have an impact. Albany has a unique understanding and proven experience in tackling all these issues in an effective manner, to bring about a sustainable, fair and effective regulatory environment.

Mindful of the future, Albany knows that there is an ongoing revolution in the area of communications and media regulation. Many countries are moving towards the convergence of technologies, adding to the issues that governments and regulators are faced with. Albany Associates has dealt with these issues in some of the world’s most demanding settings, designing regulatory systems that successfully meet the communications challenges of the twenty-first century.

Media DevelopmentThe media’s responsibility to inform, educate and entertain is pivotal in a nation emerging from conflict. This is also true for more stable societies facing challenging transitions.

For example, establishing a functioning and independent print and broadcast media helps to pave the way for free and fair elections, facilitating accountability for both public and private institutions. It provides a forum for individuals to share their opinions and a platform for stories to reflect citizens’ daily lives.

In more stable and developed environments, sustained and continuous attention to the way the media sector is governed is also important, particularly so, given constant advances in communications technology and the convergence of ‘new’ and ‘traditional’ media. The capabilities offered by satellite, terrestrial and digital means through the internet, telecoms and radio are converging at such speed that they are quickly becoming indistinguishable. Laws, regulations and institutions of even the most developed societies must continue to evolve in order to keep pace. Albany works with governments, intergovernmental organisations such as the United Nations, UNESCO and UNDP, media outlets and civil society to develop legal and regulatory frameworks that support independent media. Albany assists in establishing media policy and institutions commensurate with international standards. It also facilitates a society’s transition from state-run radio and television to public service broadcasters and aids in developing self-regulatory regimes for print and other media. Albany has a proven record of success in working with policy makers to overcome challenges and takes advantage of ‘new media’ technologies and concepts.

Albany, its directors and management team, have global experience in media development having worked in Iraq, Jordan, Sudan, Lebanon, Russia, Pakistan, China, the United Arab Emirates and the Balkans. The landscape of media development is ever-changing, driven by many factors. Albany aspires to harmonize the expectations of the multitude of stakeholders with effective technical capabilities to deliver innovative and coherent media development programmes.

Training Albany Associates’ training programmes draw upon all of the company’s core competencies; strategic communications, broadcast regulation and media development, blending traditional teaching methods and innovative approaches to learning. Albany provides instruction, for example in public information and advocacy work, crisis communications and legal and regulatory frameworks in telecommunications and broadcasting. Albany Associates’ training and development courses are of a very high standard. Albany’s wide range of teaching programmes, which include classroom-based instruction, master classes, workshop training and case study work, are always led by experts with extensive experience working in the field, who can draw upon real-life examples throughout each course.

Post-conflict countries, understandably keen to embrace new communications ideas and methodologies, have provided some of Albany’s greatest challenges and successes. Albany offers extensive training for those working in such environments. Albany also delivers courses of interest to those working in more stable circumstances, providing instruction on new advancements in the communications sector. Albany can plan and deliver courses anywhere in the world, tailored to meet a client’s particular needs, addressing subjects and issues uniquely critical to each client’s operations.

The training and development sector of Albany Associates strives to share established principles as well as explore emergent themes across its areas of expertise. In continuing to deliver timely solutions to a wide range of international stakeholders, while embracing cultural sensitivities, Albany Associates has created a credible track record in training and development. This flexibility, combined with an inherent understanding of clients’ needs, closely aligned with a strong sense of purpose, allows the company to deliver what it promises.