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Hello folks -
 
Here are excerpts from this week's edition of "International
Internet NewsClips;" the full version is on the MecklerMedia Web
site (http://www.mecklerweb.com), under the Net Day section.
Comments, feedback, etc. most welcome as always.
                                                   - madan
_________________________________________________________________
Madanmohan Rao                      Phone: (212) 963-1175
Communications Director             Fax:   (212) 754-2791
Inter Press Service                 E-mail: rao@igc.org
United Nations, New York
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Media Plays An Important Role In Reporting About "Cyberia"
----------------------------------------------------------
     The emerging infostructure of cyber-age systems is "the
greatest story in the history of communications since the
invention of the printing press," according to FCC chairman Reed
Hundt. However, there is a cornucopia of issues that remain "dark
mysteries to the public." The media has an important role to play
in explaining the structure and role of the new "electronic real
estate," how it may - or may not - serve the public's best
interests, etc. "There are Pulitzers to win for those people who
first figure out how to communicate about communications," said
Hundt.
                   (Columbia Journalism Review; July/August 1995)
 
Georgian Leader Shevardnadze Will Surf The Internet
---------------------------------------------------
     The U.S. Agency for Development (USAID) has provided
Internet access to the parliament of Georgia. "Georgia will not
only utilise its presence on the Internet as a tool for keeping
the international community abreast of developments in our
country, it will use it to gain access to vast stores of
information," said Georgian leader Eduard Shevardnadze.
                                (Associated Press; July 12, 1995)
 
Pentagon Concerned About Internet Distribution Of Rescue Report
---------------------------------------------------------------
     Just hours after the rescue of a downed U.S. pilot in
Bosnia, an F-16 pilot sent out first-hand reports of the rescue
on the Internet through a node in Italy. The reports included
pilot code names and weapons loads for the mission. The
implication of this act for the U.S. Pentagon, where controlling
information is regarded as a critical war-fighting tool, is
"staggering." The rigid hierarchy at the Pentagon is not quite
sure just how to "tame the babbling anarchy" of cyberspace. "We
need to recognise that there is a new paradigm out there for
information flow," said a brigadier general.
                           (San Jose Mercury News; July 11, 1995)
 
Internet Optimists And Pessimists Need To Find Common Ground
------------------------------------------------------------
     Coverage of the Internet in the media has often varied
between "gilt-edged hype or creeping paranoia." The latter,
particularly with its obsessions of online pornography and
pedophilia, is troublesome because it distorts our sense of
perspective. Though the Internet was never a Utopian dream, the
current demonisation of the 'Net is inadvertently encouraging a
growing gulf between the people who understand the technology and
those who do not. Government, parents and corporations need to
jointly address issues such as online pornography. Solutions will
not arise until the optimists and pessimists find some common
ground.
                (Sydney Morning Herald, Australia; July 11, 1995)
 
More Women Find Niche On The Internet
-------------------------------------
     Two recent surveys indicate that the number of women on the
Internet is increasing, and the growing number of "female-
focused" Web sites reflects that. Now available are compilations
of women's health resources, databases about women in politics,
and reviews of feminist films. Still, many women say the Internet
remains a boy's club - and it is "not putting out the welcome
mat" for women. But as the Net's demographics change, its social
norms will too. Useful Internet resources for women include
Cybergrrl (http://www.interport.net/~asherman), WomensNet
(http://www.igc.apc.org/womensnet), and Rosalind Resnick's survey
of women online (http://www.netcreations.com/ipa/).
                                       (USA Today; July 11, 1995)
 
Future Internet Can Challenge Telephone System
----------------------------------------------
     Making telephone calls through the Internet using software
like Internet Phone leads to great savings for calls out of the
U.S., and even more savings for calls into the U.S. This advance
into voice communications is "strategically important" for the
Internet, making it a serious contender in the race to create the
information superhighway. The Internet could challenge a future
telephone system carrying interactive video, as well as a future
cable service handling phone traffic in addition to TV.
                       (Christian Science Monitor; July 11, 1995)
 
Split Emerges Between Cyberspace Advocacy Groups
------------------------------------------------
     "Political feuds" seem to have emerged among a handful of
U.S.-based public interest groups that specialise in cyberspace
issues such as free speech, privacy, and online pornography.
Several key members of the Electronic Frontier Foundation have
quit and formed the Center for Democracy and Technology. Issues
over which the split occurred include the digital telephony bill
that was approved by Congress, and whether accepting funding from
large telecommunications companies would create "potential
conflicts of interest." 
                                  (New York Times; July 10, 1995)
 
Dismal Internet Sales Figures Mirrored In Australia
---------------------------------------------------
     U.S.-based Forrester Research Inc. recently reported that
even with the Internet's global reach and rapid growth,
conversion of user interest to sales of products marketed via the
Internet was "pitifully low." This phenomenon is now being
mirrored in Australia. According to the proprietor of Melbourne-
based Nick's Fine Wines, their Web service is "an enormous amount
of effort for very modest returns." 
              (Sydney Morning Herald, Australia; July 4-10, 1995)
 
"Time Compression" Of Internet Diffusion Aids Emerging Markets
--------------------------------------------------------------
     The rapid diffusion of Internet technology is causing a
"fundamental rethinking" of business models in emerging
economies. The global reach of the Internet, multimedia
capabilities, electronic commerce, and affordable bandwidth will
help "level the playing field" for companies in developing
countries. Countries like India are experiencing "time
compression" with respect to diffusion of information
technologies - the Internet took decades to mature in the
developed countries, but emerging economies are moving from e-
mail to Web access within a few years.
                (Express Computer, India; June 21 - July 5, 1995)
 
Singapore's Infobahn May Pose A "Sticky Problem"
------------------------------------------------
     Few countries are building ramps to the information
superhighway faster than Singapore - almost all government
offices are computerised, 30% of households have PCs, the entire
telecommunications system will be digital in a few years, and new
laws will guarantee citizen access to the infobahn. But will
Singapore's sanitised, restrictive environment attract or repel
creative minds? Censoring print and broadcast media may be one
thing - but cracking down on something like the Internet may be a
"sticky problem."
                            (Japan Times; June 26 - July 2, 1995)
 
London Conference Addresses Travel Resources On The Internet
------------------------------------------------------------
     A number of innovative products and services are available
on the Internet for travellers - including transport maps of
almost every city in the world, hotel locations and prices, and
airline reservation systems. According to many speakers at the
recent "Travel on the Internet" conference in London, the
Internet is the way for the tourism industry to reach a global
audience at a greatly reduced cost. Useful Web sites include the
Choice Hotels chain (http://www.hotelchoice.com), Holiday Inn
Worldwide (http://www.holiday-inn.com) and the Eurodollar car
rental firm.
                               (The European; June 23-29, 1995)
 
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