In December, 2013 Derek was invited to join representatives from Industry, Non Government organisations, education institutions and UNESCO at the First Global Forum on Media and Gender (held in Bangkok, Thailand).
Roger and Derek have been advocating for an international media organisation that aims to provide and share research, resources and reflection on media education.
Last year, ATOM established the World Alliance of Media Education- there has been contact with media organisations and educational bodies in the US, UK and Asia.
One significant obstacle in creating an international media organisation is that different countries approach media from different paradigms. For example, the BFI are focused on deconstruction, where the Australian approach appears to target the affective, the enjoyment of media as well as the analytical aspect.
Derek argues that Australia has one of the best practices for media. Our intention is therefore to establish and maintain groups so we can advocate for effective practices in media education more effectively.