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Publication date: April 2021
Overview:
Our new working paper argues that business models capable of supporting independent media are decreasing, that media markets are at increasing risk of government co-option, and that alternative sources of revenue for independent media are scarce.
Using UNESCO’s 2021 World Press Freedom Day, Information as a Public Good, as a departure point, this paper assesses whether fresh approaches to public subsidy might provide part of a solution to supporting independent media, especially in low-and middle-income settings.
This is the first of a series designed to prompt further research and debate on how to support independent public interest media. Produced by ±«Óãtv Media Action, it is a product of the Protecting Independent Media for Effective Development (PRIMED) programme.
Supported by UK Aid, this three-year programme is led by a consortium of international and national media support organisations, including ±«Óãtv Media Action. PRIMED aims to develop effective approaches to strengthening public interest media content in low-income countries.
Independent media is vital for people to access trustworthy information. In an age of misinformation, this is increasingly important – and ever more challenging. And the media capacity to supply that information is disappearing, particularly in low-income countries.
This working paper focuses on the scale of the political challenge inherent in prioritising public subsidy approaches. It concludes that they are only worth considering in very specific conditions, especially a strong government commitment to democracy.
It also concludes that, at a time when few other options for financing independent media are available, more creative approaches to public subsidy models are urgently needed.
Read more:
Protecting Independent Media for Effective Development (PRIMED) programme.
Al Mirbad: A platform for the people - blog by Nihad Al-Jaberi, senior editor at Radio Al Mirbad in Basra, southern Iraq.
Supporting independent radio in Zambia - blog by Vanessa Mweemba, co-ordinating mentor, ±«Óãtv Media Action Zambia.
Lion Mountain Radio: Improving health amid uncertainty - blog by station manager Kelvin Kamara, ±«Óãtv Media Action Sierra Leone.