In the world, there are numerous international alternative networks that help the development and growth of information and media. Although the different networks differ in their mission and structure however, they all have a common goal of democratizing information and promoting communications reforms. These projects are characterized by their non-commercial character and their opposition to imperialist power mechanics.
These networks are comprised of people, non-profit organizations and native sites which connect local communities with regional and global links aimed at making information more accessible to all. They also promote communications campaigns that aim to make national, local and global media more accessible and representative. These projects face numerous challenges with www.inafi-la.org/ regards to funding and technical support. However, they are still working to create the network of local-local connections to avoid imperialist power mechanisms.
In the beginning of the nineties, a wide variety of international alternative networks started to emerge in many countries and regions. These projects were able to grow due to the convergence of social movements, particularly from the Global South which were active in protest against US policies; and creative media groups inventively seizing the new consumer production marketing channels.
These networks are more important in areas where the traditional network is not available or is not an ideal option. This article proposes a classification of these networks and highlights their primary characteristics. This article aims to aid activists, researchers, and others in gaining a better understanding of these systems, especially their role as a key element of a global access strategy for all.