"The current report presents the highlights of five country assessments that were undertaken to identify the communication and information needs of indigenous peoples. The starting point for this regional initiative was that access to information and communication avenues have an empowering element, ... and play a significant role in strengthening democratic governance, making it more inclusive, responsive and accountable [...] The assessments focused on a systematic analysis of major development issues faced by indigenous peoples, including in terms of representation in state agencies. They considered media and communication landscapes–encompassing freedom of expression and information, the safety of journalists, and community media, particularly radio–and how different factors facilitate or hinder information and communication for indigenous peoples, including the potential of new modes of digital communication and information and communication technology (ICT)." (Executive summary, page 1) more

"This report examines the Philippine situation in relation to the media landscape and opportunities for participation by Indigenous Peoplese in \communicative spaces. as avenues for self-empowerment. As an assessment of the communications and media environment and their implications for Indige ... nous Peoples, the report looks into challenges and opportunities that could aid future development interventions that emanate from local needs and aspirations [...] Radio remains the predominant form of communication and information channel in Indigenous Peoples areas but digital communications through cellular phones and mobile internet are also slowly making inroads except in very inaccessible communities and places where conflict is ever present. However, communication and information exchanges through the news media whether newspaper, radio or television are mainly conducted in a language other than the Indigenous Peoples‘ mother tongue. The one exception is radio station DXUP in Upi, Maguindanao which broadcasts programs in a mixture of Teduray, Visayan, and English [...] The consensus among those who participated in the data gathering activities was the need for Indigenous Peoples communities to establish their own media, preferably radio as a means to effectively project their agenda on the larger, national development and political landscape. This was, for instance, expressed strongly during the tribal congress of the Teduray-Lambangian people in Mindanao and to a lesser extent by the Tagbanua of Palawan. While this is one way of addressing the exclusion of Indigenous Peoples from the mainstream news agenda, it has to be viewed in the context of capacity development that takes into consideration the larger enabling environment that could influence one way or the other the overall strategy of any development program. It has to consider also the importance of gaining a foothold in the mainstream media as the flip side of a community media owned and managed by Indigenous Peoples is that there might become a tendency to limit the conversation among indigenous communities and thus failing to articulate their aspirations to a larger audience especially when this impinge on policy." (Executive summary) more

"This report provides essential insights to how the indigenous peoples of Nepal are organized and represented by the national and local media. The report describes the media landscape in three districts inhabited by indigenous peoples and reveals that Nepal has one of the most vibrant media environm ... ents in Asia, particularly in community radio, yet these channels could be strengthened for ensuring voice and participation for indigenous peoples in the future. Alternative channels, using modern technology, should also be explored as a means to bringing information and giving a voice to indigenous peoples, especially in the most remote areas of the country. The report points to specific recommendations and proposes activities that can mutually benefit the media and indigenous peoples." (Foreword) more