ABSTRACT
The International Program for the Development of Communication grew from a realization that some sort of international mechanism was needed to deal with worldwide educational and information problems. However, that sort of technological exercise is accident prone; it bumps into Third World reality, such as was expressed at the United Nations. There are other political considerations. For example, the United Nations General Assembly recently passed a series of resolutions which, though they have no binding force in international law do represent to some extent what the Third World is thinking about. The resolution clearly favors a regime of prior consent, where broadcasting is concerned. The exact words are: States should bear international responsibility for activities in the field of international direct television broadcasting by satellites carried out by them or under their jurisdiction and for the conformity of any and such activities with the principles set forth in this document.
