Two propositions formed the basis for the study described in this report: (1) that the institutions of mass media and education have not adjusted to cope with the problems of newly formed cities or with urban disintegration in older industrialized cities, and (2) that marginal urban groups have a need for greater control over their lives and the use of community media is one way this basic need can be met. An introductory chapter provides a rationale for the study (a product of the urban community media project of Unesco), defines terms used in the study, summarizes the characteristics and functions of community media, suggests desirable criteria for community media, summarizes the internal limitations of community media projects and the external constraints on them, and concludes with a short essay on the historic context of urbanization. Nine case studies covering developments in Africa, the Arab World, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, Europe, India, Japan, Latin America, North America, and the Philippines are then presented. The case studies cite examples of places where a more equitable distribution of power in urban communications has been achieved. A concluding statement and lists of proposals for related activities, future activities, and further research on this topic complete the report. (RBW)