From 'global information' to 'internationalist communication': reconceptualizing the democratisation of international communication

During the last decade there have been increasing efforts at creating 'alternative international communications, of which those dealing with labour are amongst the most recent. In so far as these have been analysed, it has not been within the framework of international communica tions theory. Yet a relevant theoretical framework is evidently necessary if such projects are to be critically examined and if a general project for the democratisation of international communication is to be advanced. A recent standard work on international communication is found to be useful in
ing certain problems facing the dominant model, but is considered to provide an insufficient base for examining/advancing an alternative. By synthesising theory or analysis of 'internationalism' and 'alternative communication', a new concept of 'internationalist communication' is tenta tively presented. The relationship of the new concept to one recent experience - an alternative international radio news service for Latin America - is considered.