From the 1980s international organizations have devised strategies to develop national media systems to make them more diverse and inclusive, and preserve local cultures. In many countries these strategies have been unsuccessful and information has become a commodity as the interests of private actors prevent many groups from full access to communication rights. This paper attempts to provide a new view on media development from a rights-based approach, derived from a critique to dominant perspectives from international organizations with a too strong focus on technology provision. The paper argues for media development based on the right to communication as an alternative to commodification of information. Through examples from Brazil and Kenya the paper illustrates that viewing communication as a basic right can lead to the inclusion of more voices in the public discourse. Furthermore, a model for media development is proposed that suggests states’ involvement in preserving local cultures.

Keywords: Development communication, modernization, communication rights, media systems, Brazil, Kenya