"This book shows how media literacy can improve the health of communication ecosystems amid information disorder. It makes the case for media literacy as a human right and a foundation for civic resilience and curates research and best practices to show how media literacy can counter misinformation,
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support public health, and prepare society for challenges like pandemics and AI. The book is structured around a theory of change with four interconnected media literacy domains: Access (how and where we engage with media), Awareness (critical understanding of media), Capability (life skills for education, employment, civic and digital participation), and Consequences (taking actions with media literacy that improve communication ecosystems for everybody). It includes six chapters and an introduction, presenting a comprehensive field review which maps 400 projects from all over the world to the theory of change, concluding with a forward-looking chapter on the possible healthier future. Ideal for educators, academics and researchers, librarians, activists, journalists, policymakers, and health professionals, this book offers a timely, actionable vision for strengthening media literacy and building more resilient, informed communities." (Publisher description)
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"This declaration serves as a reminder that culture, cultural heritage and media policies must be a vital part of the European collaboration and European security in order to protect our democracies. We commit to upholding cultural diversity, artistic freedom and supporting media pluralism and freed
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om at both national and European level. We also recognise the need for guaranteeing citizens’ access to trustworthy news media and to equip them with the digital skills and critical thinking abilities needed to navigate a digitised information landscape. In this light, we agree to the following guiding principles:
• Our citizens must live in societies with free and independent cultural life.
• Our citizens must live in societies where culture and cultural heritage is safeguarded for the benefit of society today and for future generations.
• Our citizens must have access to reliable information and to an information environment free of foreign interference.
• Our citizens must live in societies with free, resilient and independent media.
• Our citizens must be able to participate in public debate and democratic conversations.
• Our citizens – especially our children - must be presented with and have access to free and diverse European content.
• Our citizens must be protected against digital replicas of their personal characteristics without consent." (Page 2)
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"Several UN peacekeeping operations communicate with the populations in their host state through radio, which remains the most popular medium in many countries. UN strategic communications via radio can help reduce violence against civilians, both during and after armed conflict. This protective eff
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ect of UN radio is evident even in areas where no UN military peacekeepers are deployed. There are four main ways that strategic communications by UN peacekeepers may reduce violence: (1) by building trust in the mission and enhancing cooperation with peacekeepers’ protection activities; (2) by filling gaps in reliable information that might otherwise be filled by misinformation that incites violence; (3) by fostering pro-peace behavioral change among ordinary civilians; and (4) by incentivizing rank-and-file combatants to exercise restraint.
There are many conditions that enhance the persuasiveness of UN strategic communications. Most crucially, messages are more effective when they are perceived as accurate and informative by local audiences. Moreover, narrative messages that are adapted to the local context can strengthen the persuasiveness of UN strategic communications. UN radio stations can leave a positive legacy for the protection of civilians even after peacekeeping operations have left if they transition into a local or regional media outlet. The radio stations that succeed UN radio stations once peacekeeping operations depart will be most likely to contribute to an information environment that protects rather than threatens civilians when NGOs guarantee their independence with continuous funding. Going forward, as the UN seeks to enhance strategic communications in peacekeeping operations, it must carefully manage several trade-offs. These include trade-offs between empowering civilians vs. exposing them to risk; ensuring that messaging is coherent vs. tailoring it to the local context; sustaining independent media vs. promoting national ownership; and expanding access to data vs. maintaining security and host-state consent." (Executive summary)
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"With this Policy Manual, we provide guidance for building an information space free from oligopolistic control, resilient to manipulation, and supportive of independent, pluralistic media. This Policy Manual proposes both structural reforms and targeted mitigation measures – focusing on media vis
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ibility, viability, and vigilance. If journalists cannot report safely, if their work is rendered invisible or economically unsustainable, neither the integrity of the public discourse nor media freedom can be protected. Cautious and principled State engagement is needed to ensure that information – as well as the information space – is not captured, neither by private businesses, including platforms and AI giants, nor by the governments of the day. This is a necessary precondition to ensure the media can fulfil its democratic role.
Recognizing the diversity of legal systems and societal contexts across the OSCE, this Policy Manual does not prescribe a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. Instead, it offers principled and adaptable guidance, grounded in international human rights standards and OSCE commitments, to support States in designing frameworks that safeguard media pluralism, independence, and public interest over distortion, deception, and division. It aspires to be both a tool and a call to action. It urges States to move from reactive ‘fixes’ towards a proactive, rights-based vision for the future of our information ecosystem – one that restores pluralism and accountability." (Foreword, page 7)
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"This paper pursues an ambitious agenda in that it seeks to decolonise Indigenous relations with (the) State(s), departing from the very sources and forms of knowledge, commonly established logics and structures in the academic world, and by introducing the reader to Indigenous forms of knowledge an
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d heritage, Indigenous proper approaches to science and Indigenous justice systems. These epistemological reflections go hand in hand with a rethinking of legal terminology which the publication strives to indigenise or to ‘despensar’ classical law, notably by pluralising epistemologies but also through a critical approach taken towards entire justice systems with the objective of transforming these into more inclusive orders." (Executive summary)
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"Based on qualitative and quantitative research conducted between May and August 2025, including interviews with journalists, media organisations, policymakers, and civil society activists, the report highlights how Sudan’s media environment has transformed into a “parallel battlefield” where
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information warfare runs alongside physical conflict. Key findings include:
- Collapse of traditional media: Print, radio, and television outlets have been decimated or repurposed as propaganda tools, with hundreds of journalists displaced or exiled.
- Rise of digital platforms: In the absence of reliable news, Sudanese citizens increasingly rely on social media, particularly Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok, for information, often encountering misinformation and hate speech.
- Weaponisation of media: Both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have systematically targeted independent journalism, using harassment, detention, and surveillance to suppress dissent.
- Exclusion and fragmentation: Marginalised groups face significant barriers to accessing information, exacerbated by poor connectivity and digital divides.
- Emerging resilience: Despite the challenges, exiled media initiatives are working to counter hate speech and uphold professional standards, though sustainability remains a major concern.
The report calls for urgent international support across four key areas: protection of journalists, capacity building, institutional strengthening, and independent funding. Without immediate intervention, Sudan risks losing an entire generation of media professionals and the infrastructure essential for democratic recovery and peacebuilding." (https://internews.org)
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"The following conclusions can be drawn from the data analysis:
• The socio-economic status of journalists should be continuously advanced via improvement of working conditions in newsrooms and greater acknowledgement of labour rights on the part of media owners and the state.
• Rapid technologi
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cal and information changes impose the need for adapting the ethical and professional standards to the new digital environment, as well as creating specific guidelines for the media and journalists in terms of the use of artificial intelligence.
• The interest of young people in studies in journalism, communications, and media is drastically decreasing due to the weak link between studies with the labour market, the poor economic situation in media, and the inherent risks to this profession. It is necessary to modernize the study programmes and curricula which should be in line with the newly emerging environment, as well as making it possible to interlink with the media industry.
• Disinformation and non-compliance with ethical standards are often evident in online media, thus there is already a wide discussion in the media community about the legal definition of the status and functioning of the online media.
• Ownership transparency in broadcast media is at a high level, which is not the case in internet media, as the latter are outside the legal scope. The legal solution for pluralism in media ownership does not correspond to the new digital environment, therefore changes are needed that will enable development of the media market and industry consolidation.
• Funds from the state budget for paid political advertising during elections and public interest campaigns have increased in recent years and represent a significant source of funding for many media outlets. The above increases media dependence on state funds, as well as the possibility of corruption and media clientelism.
• Professional media organizations and the civil sector support the idea of establishing a fund for the development of media pluralism, to serve as an independent mechanism for developing projects and contents of public interest. Such approach will encourage diversity, quality, and independence in the media industry.
• In the media landscape, there are not enough media and/or programmes that represent ethnic groups, marginalized groups, and persons with disabilities, while non-profit media is one of the most underdeveloped segments therein. Trust in institutions, including in the media, is very low, due to the high level of systemic corruption, disinformation, non-transparency, and weak effectiveness of institutions.
• Media literacy is included in formal education as a systemic approach to teaching, but awareness of its importance should be promoted more among all age groups and segments of society.
• Transparent and efficient policies, comprehensive analyses, and overarching strategies are needed to cover all segments of the media market, including the digital sphere. The limited media market adversely affects the economic situation of the media, resulting in a lack of evident development of pluralism, diversity, and independence of the media in the audiovisual media sphere." (Executive summary, pages 4-5)
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"The recent U.S. government decision to suspend foreign assistance has abruptly halted key grants and programmes that have been essential in sustaining global development, cooperation, and supporting international peace and security and human rights efforts worldwide, putting in jeopardy the ability
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of civil society organisations, NGOs, and governments to uphold the commitments agreed in the Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. At a time when the protection of civic space and human rights is more vital than ever, the withdrawal of critical funding threatens media and journalism organisations' role in ensuring access to reliable information. Quoting UN Secretary-General António Guterres: “Without press freedom, we won’t have any freedom”. Journalism and independent media are essential pillars of democratic societies, yet they have been consistently underfunded and chronically undervalued. This has left the sector particularly vulnerable to shocks, making it difficult to recover from disruptions like the current funding crisis. Media development fosters transparency, accountability, and civic engagement, yet without sustained support, its role in global development and human rights is at risk. The funding gap exacerbates an already fragile situation, weakening media organisations' ability to respond to crises and fulfil their vital role in society. In line with the OECD Development Co-operation Principles on Relevant and Effective Support to Media and the Information Environment, we urge governments, donors, and stakeholders to take immediate action to address this crisis." (Page 1)
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"The findings from this report highlight the importance of social media and online content as the primary sources of information for Niueans, especially the significant diaspora communities that reside abroad. It also highlights the important role that the small Niuean media sector plays in cultural
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and linguistic preservation. There is a critical need for resilient media infrastructure and sustainable business models in the face of climate change vulnerabilities and acute staff shortages. Nauru’s small and closely-connected society poses a challenge for in-depth journalism, however information can be easily verified in such a tight-knit community. Lastly, the establishment of the Niue Media Association in 2023 signals promising opportunities to strengthen the media industry." (Conclusion, page 37)
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"The findings in this report uncover some of the challenges faced by Kiribati’s small media industry, both geographic and financial. Internet connectivity across the country’s widely dispersed islands is limited, impacting access for audiences and reporters alike. The local media industry has fa
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ced diminished funding, with the state- owned Broadcasting and Publications Authority (BPA) relying on small government support and advertising revenue to stay afloat, while Radio Kiribati has experienced periodic disruptions to broadcast due to limited working equipment. More positively, the report highlighted the media’s active prioritisation of stories representative of diverse communities across Kiribati, and the media sectors openness to engage with and explore the potential uses of AI in the newsroom." (Conclusion, page 37)
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"In conclusion, the findings from this report highlighted the continuing prominence of newspapers as a trusted source of information for Marshallese people, the ongoing challenge of reaching remote communities, and a growing interest in establishing a representative media body. While the rise of soc
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ial media and digitisation presents both challenges and opportunities, the Marshall Islands media continues to play a crucial role in preserving and passing on cultural knowledge, while covering local news with independence, accuracy and impartiality." (Conclusion, page 37)
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"The Pacific media landscape has evolved significantly within the past decade with increased digital connectivity and infrastructure, vastly improving digital access and reach throughout the region. Media organisations have leveraged digital platforms and mobile telecommunications to continue delive
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ring news and information to their audiences. Despite the significant impact of the pandemic on the financial viability of media and challenges around staff resourcing, the sector has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability; a testament to its relentless commitment and passion towards serving Pacific audiences and communities." (Conclusion, page 40)
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"Palau media continues to undergo significant developments as it adjusts to increased digitisation and a move away from traditional print media. Media organisations face challenges in creating financially sustainable business models to support this shift. While media freedom is protected in Palau, o
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ngoing attention is required to ensure that journalists can continue to report uncensored." (Conclusion, page 31)
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"The findings in this report highlight the ongoing dominance of state-owned media platforms in Nauru, all run by the Nauru Media Bureau (NMB). With no private media currently operating, media freedom in the country is limited. The report also illustrated the rising popularity of foreign media and so
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cial media platforms for Nauruan audiences, with improved telecommunications infrastructure set to accelerate shifts to online content. The report also outlines the significant work to be done to meet the ambition of an independent media as identified in the government’s strategy for sustainable development." (Conclusion, page 33)
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"The findings in this report highlight the struggles of print media in Samoa, which are experiencing a declining audience share yet remain the benchmark for “best-practice” journalism. Media also experience significant challenges associated with the digitalisation of the sector, including strugg
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les to monetise digital content, misinformation and disinformation, and a general lack of experience using digital technology. Finally, while Samoan media have been challenged by restrictions to freedom of speech and a lack of legislated right to information, JAWS and the Media Council can play a critical role in encouraging self-regulation and adherence to high journalistic standards." (Conclusion, page 35)
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"The Recommendation on Information Integrity was adopted by the OECD Council on 17 December 2024 on the proposal of the Public Governance Committee (PGC). The Recommendation aims to establish a wide-ranging and applicable policy framework for Adherents to address threats posed by information manipul
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ation and to put in place measures that promote information integrity in line with the universal human rights of freedom of opinion and expression." (Page 3)
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"This report is an invitation to grapple with the complex interplay between infrastructure, media systems, civil society, and public sector institutions. Our findings suggest that effective policy solutions must: acknowledge the historical, political, economic, and social forces that shape informati
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on flows and sociotechnical systems; develop holistic approaches that consider the entire ecosystem rather than isolated interventions; understand how data governance and AI systems fundamentally influence information production, dissemination, and consumption; use a wider array of authorities and policy tools to create legal, regulatory and normative frameworks that protect democratic values while empowering communities and individuals who are embedded in increasingly opaque sociotechnical systems. By exploring both individual-level phenomena and systemic dynamics, this report suggests how legislative, regulatory, competition, education and other public authorities as well as tech platforms and citizens themselves all have a role to play in cultivating information ecosystems where democracy can better thrive." (Foreword by Courtney Radsch, page v-vi)
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"In recent years, IMS has seen a steady increase in the number of its media partners forced to flee their home countries to avoid persecution and closure as the democratic space globally has shrunk. IMS expects this trend to continue, with “exiled media” becoming the main – and, in some cases,
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only –source of public interest journalism for audiences in more and more countries. This situation, along with the likely drop in development assistance by some of these exiled media’s main funders, calls for a more strategically coherent and creative response from IMS and our colleagues in the media development sector. The briefing paper Navigating instability provides an initial framework for this response, based on learning from the support IMS’ programmes have provided to exiled media over 20-plus years. With additional input from exiled media leaders, IMS’ Exiled Media Working Group has identified five phases of transition and evolution that media appear to go through between deciding to leave their home country and either returning home again or permanently settling in their host country; a long and often stormy journey, fraught with risks and uncertainty and involving many twists and turns. Crucially, Navigating instability shows there is light at the end of the turnnel – there are media that survive exile and eventually return home, often stronger and wiser having spent years – sometimes decades – away and ready to play a leading role in transforming their country’s media, once opportunities allow. This calls for a long-term approach that enables exiled media to chart their journey with less jeopardy and more certainty. Navigating instability illustrates each phase of exile through the eyes of media leaders experieincing the situation first-hand, and outlines the support that IMS can provide media partners during each phase. The briefing paper also presents a set of recommendatons to the media development sector, our donors and other policy makers on how we can collectively address the gaps in our support to exiled media." (https://www.mediasupport.org)
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