These Guidelines seek to set out the main principles that underlie the regulation of broadcasting and the aspects of broadcasting that can be regulated. The book is aimed at governments and regulators and sets out ‘best practice’ as informed by an international analysis of what currently is done.

There are two fundamental assumptions that underpin these Guidelines. The first is that regulation should generally be as ‘light touch’ and minimalist as possible, but robust enough to support the basic concept of freedom of expression, which in turn is a precondition for the effective operation of democracy.

The second is that there is no single ‘right’ answer to many of the questions raised by trying to establish an appropriate and effective regulatory system. In some cases, there is a generally accepted, international standard that can be applied through tried and tested means. However in many other cases, the best solution will be very culturally specific. The draft ‘model law’ which is set out in the back of this booklet makes clear where a ‘best practice’ solution can be offered, and where it is incumbent upon individual governments and regulatory bodies to find an approach which best suits the circumstances to hand. It should come as no surprise that, just as much of broadcasting itself is locally-oriented, so too are the ‘best’ ways to regulate it.