Convergent media policy issues for the developing world: The need for digital independence

ICT4D policies tend to present two problems: they are designed without consideration of the larger role ICT play in society, especially regarding communication and cultural issues; and they are based on local effects, not considering the potential society-wide effects. This paper analyses this set of issues and proposes an approach that shifts the focus from the institutional focus of policy making to societal considerations that include the potential for cultural development, with emphasis in the need for digital independence, not just in terms of infrastructure, but also of production and consumption of media products based on a dynamic and dialogic community of users.