[Bp_localcontent] Local Content Definition - maybe Locally Relevant Content

[Blackler, Ellen M.]

Greetings everyone -

I look forward to this discussion.  I would like to weigh in in favor of a broad definition of local content along the lines of what Susan started with.  We have actually been using the term locally-relevant content in an attempt to capture the idea that it is whatever the user decides is relevant to the communities (either physical or virtual) that they see themselves belonging to.  Clearly language is a major part of that (and rightfully a focus of efforts to expand content).    Likewise, I think it would be fruitful to understand and encourage ways  to improve capabilities for content creation locally as both an economic development and diversity matter,  and ways to improve facilities likes IXPs, hosting and caching because of the impacts on end users and access Michel Kende has talked about.

I think the biggest pitfall we should avoid (and I think we are so far), is a focus on where the content is produced.  I have no evidence but suspect that often early in the adoption curve process a lot of content in a local language is produced outside a particular locale.  And certainly in repressive places a lot of important but locally relevant content gets produced elsewhere.   The reality is for professional content like movies where they get made is a global market based on things outside the normal Internet policymaking context like tax credits!  And of course in a diaspora situation people in a language community are not in the same physical space.

While I have your attention, I will use this opportunity to make a plug for a panel I am working on at the IGF (Panel 201) that will bring content creators from around the world to talk about barriers to and opportunities for locally relevant content creation.   We have the CEO of iROKOtv, which is often called the Nigerian Netflix, an app developer working in the LatAm market from Guatemala, an app developer from Africa working in the Kenya and SA, and one of our partner producers from Turkey.   I hope it will be a good opportunity to understand the models people are using to successfully create locally relevant content, the barriers and the environment that encourages more creation.

Look forward to continued discussion!  Best, Ellen
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