"The main purpose of this guide is to highlight some of the benefits, challenges and options when considering funding of media and communication interventions. This publication is not designed to be a ‘how to’ guide for designing and implementing such programmes. Rather, it aims to guide DFID staff, responding to conflicts and other emergencies, on: when to support media initiatives; what types of assistance to provide to media organisations; how to appraise and monitor media based interventions. Thematically, most attention is given to the role of media in conflict situations as this is where most experience has been gained to date. However, sections on natural and man-made disasters are also included. Furthermore, the main focus is on electronic media, such as local, national and international radio and TV broadcasting. This focus has been adopted because the bulk of media initiatives undertaken in areas of conflict fall within these categories." (Introduction, page 6-7)