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News deserts in Ukraine: Mapping localities without local news

Media Development Foundation (MDF) (2024)

"First of all, following a reform in 2020 that reorganised Ukraine’s districts, merging many of them to form larger ones, the situation on the map is not critical. There are indeed "unhealthy districts", but the overall situation is better than it could be. With the exception of the temporarily oc ... more

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South African Media and Politics: Is the Three Models Approach Still Valid After Two Decades?

Bernardine Jones, Adrian Hadland

Media and Communication, volume 12, issue 7723 (2024), 12 pp.

"When Hallin and Mancini (2004) produced their watershed three models theory, South Africa was a new democracy barely a decade old. Even then, along with other countries of the Global South, the experience of a young democracy posed certain critical challenges to Hallin and Mancini's understanding o ... more

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Mutation du paysage médiatique d'Afrique : L’usage des médias numériques augmente, mais les fossés démographiques aussi

Jeffrey Conroy-Krutz, Kelechi Amakoh, Komi Amewunou

Afrobarometer (2024), 20 pp.

"Les données d'Afrobarometer corroborent l'idée que l'utilisation des médias numériques est en pleine explosion sur le continent, bien que les taux d'adoption aient pu ralentir au cours des dernières années. Cependant, ces nouveaux environnements médiatiques sont également source de défis. ... La réduction des obstacles à l'accès et le repli des autorités de régulation pourraient aussi signifier que les informations erronées et les propos incitant à la discorde, y compris les discours de haine et les appels à la violence, se répandent plus rapidement, avec moins souvent la possibilité de vérifier les faits et d'étouffer les propos préjudiciables. En outre, les fractures numériques défavorisant les femmes, les moins instruits, les pauvres, les habitants des zones rurales et les personnes âgées ne disparaissent pas. En réalité, nombre de ces fractures sont plus importantes aujourd'hui qu'elles ne l'étaient il y a près de 10 ans. En dépit de ces évolutions, un média de masse – la radio – continue de dominer le paysage médiatique du continent, son utilisation n'ayant connu qu'un modeste déclin au cours des dernières années. En outre, la radio est à bien des égards le média de masse le plus démocratique, car les clivages démographiques qui marquent l'accès aux médias numériques sont faibles, voire inexistants. Cela dit, nous devons être prudents et noter que la radio a ses propres inconvénients, notamment en ce qui concerne les informations erronées et les propos clivants. En raison des paysages médiatiques en évolution, les publics africains sont confrontés à des enjeux importants sur la manière dont ils interagissent avec les médias et sur la manière dont ils attendent de leurs gouvernements qu'ils traitent les médias. Les données d'Afrobarometer suggèrent que les Africains sont majoritairement favorables à ce que les médias jouent un rôle important dans l'obligation de rendre des comptes aux gouvernements, en particulier en ce qui concerne le fléau de la corruption. En outre, la grande majorité des Africains soutiennent le droit des médias d'informer comme ils l'entendent, sans ingérence gouvernementale. Enfin, une grande majorité de répondants considèrent que leurs médias sont largement libres, bien que les évaluations varient considérablement d'un pays à l'autre." (Conclusion) more

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Tour d’Horizon de l’Écosystème d’Information en Haïti: Confiance en et couverture de l’information liée à la gouvernance et aux élections

Inernews; Institut Panos; Policité (2024), 28 pp.

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An unbroken spirit: Afghanistan exiled media since the Taliban takeover
Deep Insights

Berlin: JX Fund (2024), 44 pp.

"A large portion of independent media has relocated to United States of America, Canada, and European countries such as Germany, France, UK, Ireland after the Taliban took over. The teams of many of these outlets operate in a hybrid model with editorial leadership in exile and staff members and free ... lancers in Afghanistan. Just over half of Afghan exiled media (57%) were founded in Afghanistan before the Taliban took over, but others (42%) were established in exile after August 15, 2021. Exiled media publish their content in multiple languages, including both the official languages of Afghanistan: Pashto and Dari (Farsi). Out of 47 media surveyed, 35 also publish their content in English. Afghan women journalists have founded several media outlets spanning various platforms, including online publications, radio and television channels, social media platforms, and podcasts. Through these outlets, they amplify the voices of Afghan women and shed light on the challenges they face under Taliban rule. In exile, ethnic, religious, linguistic, and political affiliations continue to influence the content and ownership of some media outlets, with direct consequences on their credibility. Afghan exiled media mostly aim for nation-wide coverage (90%). Only 10% of exiled media focus on regional coverage. Media consumption in Afghanistan has shifted towards exiled media. In addition, since the Taliban takeover, audiences increasingly relied on the internet, particularly social media platforms, to access information and entertainment programs. The study reveals that Facebook, X, and YouTube are the most popular social media platforms for exiled media outlets – both for audiences to consume content and interact with publishers. Television still stands as the predominant broadcasting platform in Afghanistan, with urban areas exhibiting a higher prevalence of household TV ownership compared to rural regions. Television coverage extends to nearly 40 percent of Afghanistan’s population. At least 12 Afghan TV exiled projects are accessible via satellite, web, social media, apps and streaming platforms. Fact-checking information coming from on-the-ground sources is becoming harder. The Taliban severely restricted information flows. Most Afghan exiled media rely on citizen journalism and anonymous sources. Lack of financial sustainability is a major concern. Afghan exiled media have lost their previous funding opportunities and need to cover budget gaps from international organizations or other philanthropic sources." (Executive summary, page 3) more

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Kenya Media Landscape Guide

London: CDAC Network; Deutsche Welle DW Akademie (2024), 31 pp.

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Africa’s shifting media landscapes: Digital media use grows, but so do demographic divides

Jeffrey Conroy-Krutz, Kelechi Amakoh, Komi Amewunou

Afrobarometer (2024), 19 pp.

"Afrobarometer data support the notion that the use of digital media is exploding across the continent, although rates of uptake may have slowed in recent years. However, these new media environments also pose challenges. Reduced barriers to access and the decline of gatekeepers can also mean that f ... more

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Media environment of Georgia

Mamuka Andguladze

Tbilisi: Human Rights Center (2024), 38 pp.

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Análisis del ecosistema de información sobre el manejo de la fauna silvestre en Orellana y Pastaza, en la Amazonía ecuatoriana

USAID; Internews; Consorcio de Comunicación por la Sostenibilidad (2024), 40 pp.

"1. La falta de información pública contribuye a los delitos ambientales contra la fauna silvestre. La escasez de información confiable y de calidad, conocida como desierto de noticias, deja a las comunidades más vulnerables expuestas a la propagación de noticias falsas y desinformación, y Ore ... llana y Pastaza no están exentas de este fenómeno. Este estudio identificó que la región sufre de una falta básica de información pública sobre la fauna silvestre de la región y las opciones para su manejo sostenible. Esta ausencia contribuye a que se cometan delitos ambientales. En las comunidades investigadas, se identificaron al menos dos tendencias de desinformación durante el período analizado. Del total de cuestionarios aplicados 45% afirmó haber recibido información falsa sobre la caza legal e ilegal; 32% recibió información falsa sobre especies en peligro en la región. 2. La televisión y la radio mantienen una alta audiencia, pero ofrecen poco contenido regional y sobre fauna silvestre. En Orellana y Pastaza, los medios tradicionales como la televisión y la radio siguen teniendo una alta audiencia. Según los datos, el 57,4% de los encuestados afirmaron ver la televisión con cierta frecuencia, mientras que el 45,3% escuchan la radio regularmente. Las emisoras más vistas por el público encuestado fueron: 13% Teleamazonas, con sede en Quito; 13% Pastaza Tv, con sede en Puyo. En cuanto a la radio, las emisoras más escuchadas fueron: 22% Radio Mia; 19% Radio Cumandá. Pese a la alta audiencia, los encuestados señalan que los medios tradicionales carecen de información sobre Orellana y Pastaza y sobre la fauna silvestre de la región, reproduciendo contenidos nacionales y abordando con poca profundidad temas locales, sin satisfacer las necesidades de las comunidades. 3. Orellana y Pastaza demandan información local y contextualizada sobre la Amazonía. La investigación identificó temas sobre los cuales las personas desean tener más información. Se resaltó la necesidad de temas locales sobre la Amazonía y su relación con la fauna silvestre, además de temáticas ambientales en general. Entre los temas que recibieron un mayor número de menciones se encuentran: 47,96% Noticias sobre la Amazonía, 15,72% Noticias sobre Temas Ambientales, 13,36% Noticias Generales Nacionales, 13,21% Noticias sobre Fauna Silvestre. 4. Las barreras económicas limitan el acceso a la información por internet en las comunidades indígenas. En las comunidades indígenas de Orellana y Pastaza las barreras para acceder a la información son principalmente de naturaleza económica. Según las entrevistas, no hay recursos para la instalación de infraestructura para la conexión a internet en las comunidades, y el acceso a las noticias por este medio solo ocurre cuando las personas viajan a la zona urbana, donde la conexión es mejor, o cuando se desplazan a infraestructuras petroleras, que disponen de acceso a internet. 82,19% de los residentes de la zona rural encuestados, afirmaron tener algún grado de dificultad para acceder a la conexión de internet. 5. La radiotransmisión y la comunicación presencial son los principales medios de información entre las comunidades rurales. Ante la falta de recursos para acceder a internet, las radios transmisoras existentes son las principales fuentes de intercambio de información entre las comunidades indígenas de la región. Para esto, ambas comunidades necesitan contar con dispositivos de radiotransmisión. Cuando la comunicación por radio no es posible, o si una de las comunidades no tiene un transmisor de radio, el contacto entre comunidades y el intercambio de noticias importantes se realiza de forma presencial. En este caso, se realizan viajes en bote o caminatas para transmitir la información." (Resumen ejecutivo, páginas 6-7) more

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Tunisia Media Landscape Assessment

USAID; Internews (2024), 74 pp.

"In 2023, Tunisia’s media landscape faced significant challenges, prominently shaped by the implementation of decree-law No. 54 of 2022. Ostensibly aimed at curbing hate speech and disinformation, and characterised by its ambiguous and broad terms, has had a profound impact on freedom of expressio ... n in the country. It has instilled a pervasive atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among journalists, activists, and citizens. The ramifications are multifaceted, leading to increased self-censorship, strategic adaptations by media outlets, and a notable rise in state surveillance. Emblematic cases, such as the arrest of a prominent radio director, reflect a broader trend of governmental efforts to restrict press freedom and control public discourse. These developments have not only curtailed the freedom of the press but also contributed to a disturbing shift in public opinion towards more authoritarian views on liberties and individual freedoms. The situation highlights the precarious and deteriorating state of media freedom in Tunisia, where government actions have significantly stifled dissent and critical journalism. A new context for political participation Since the political upheaval of July 25th, 2021, Tunisia’s political landscape has undergone significant transformations, affecting how citizens engage in politics. The adoption of the 2022 constitution and changes in institutional frameworks have altered the nature and significance of conventional political participation methods, including elections, protests, and other forms of engagement. The credibility of the political process and its viability for political representation have been questioned, especially by the opposition. New electoral laws have reshaped the electoral landscape, favoring locally influential individuals over political parties. This has led to a strategic self-exclusion from elections by most opposition parties, who view participation under current conditions as legitimizing a repressive and undemocratic system. Low voter turnout in recent elections reflects public disengagement, raising questions about the effectiveness of the electoral system without opposition participation. Increasing abstentionism, characterized by low voter turnout and disengagement from party politics, is not solely due to a lack of awareness but also reflects a deeper disillusionment with the political class. Fostering political participation in Tunisia is challenging due to speech restrictions and the risk of persecution under laws against misinformation. International aid must be cautious, balancing support for media development with the safety of those involved. Programs must foster dialogue and trust, navigating the delicate situation where promoting open political expression can lead to legal jeopardy. Understanding these dynamics is key for aiding Tunisia's political engagement and media landscape." (Summary of key findings, page 6) more

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Media Landscape Assessment: West Bank & Gaza

Jalaa A., Taghreed ElKhodary, Hazm Al-Mazouni, Charif S.

Internews; USAID (2024), 60 pp.

"The West Bank and Gaza have the least developed media legislation framework in the Southern Mediterranean region. Media is governed by the Press and Publications Law of 1995 and the Palestinian Basic Law, which guarantee freedom of expression. However, in practice, the caveats included in the Pales ... tinian Basic Law weaken the protection of freedom of expression. Journalists’ sources protection is guaranteed. However, in practice this is not always respected. Broadcasting lacks independent regulation, with governing bodies of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and the de-facto authority in Gaza granting licenses in their respective areas of control. There are currently no laws in force on the right to information access. A 2005 draft law intending to address this gap was put on hold following the political division that occurred in 2007. A 2023 revision of this law raised transparency concerns, prompting the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate to reject it. Lastly, the 2017 Cybercrime Law – introduced without proper consultation with civic actors and other stakeholders – faced backlash for threatening freedom of expression and press, prompting amendments in 2018. While the amendment did address some of the concerns raised by the civil society, most notably by removing the articles that directly violated freedom of expression, it failed to address other serious concerns. These include the provisions under article no 39 which allows the blocking of websites within 24 hours, as well as article 4 that threatens to criminalize users who attempt to access blocked websites. [...] In terms of traditional media, television (TV) is still the most preferred and consumed information source among survey respondents, with over 50% watching TV every day or almost every day. The three most watched TV channels among survey respondents are the Qatar-owned Al-Jazeera, The PA-run Palestine TV, and the private Maan TV, respectively. Although no primary data were collected in Gaza, desk research and insights provided by interviewed media outlets and organizations that operate across both the West Bank and Gaza, indicate that radio has become the most popular source of traditional media information in Gaza, post-October 7th. This is reportedly due to electricity cuts and internet blackouts. Some of the interviewed outlets and organizations in the West Bank claimed that Al-Jazeera has been proactively promoting its radio station/Audio Hub to meet the information needs of Gazans who are unable to watch TV. Telegram channels and groups are the most popular primary source of both local and national news among survey respondents in the West Bank. Telegram is known for having more lenient content moderation policies compared to other, bigger social media platforms (e.g., Meta, X, etc.) which have been accused of censoring Palestinian content, repeatedly and systematically. Among the most popular Telegram groups and channels followed by survey respondents are Al-Jazeera, Quds News Network (allegedly Hamas-a liated), and the independent Dooz digital media outlet. This finding is unsurprising yet worrying. Telegram is rife with mis- and disinformation, most of which go undetected and/or unchallenged. To ensure tailored programming that meets the information needs of citizens in the West Bank, media outlets and independent journalists should be equipped and trained to operate Telegram channels that provide impartial and accurate information to local citizens." (Introduction, pages 2-4) more

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State of the Media: Timor-Leste 2024

Matthew Abud, Zevonia Vieira

ABC International Development; Asia Foundation (2024), 77 pp.

"This study provides a detailed snapshot of Timor-Leste’s media in late 2023, exploring the operations and business models of media outlets, the legal landscape, proposed government programs impacting media, and relevant infrastructure ahead of an anticipated significant increase in digital connec ... more

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Media Systems and Media Capture in Turkey: A Case Study

Murat Akser, Banu Baybars

Media and Communication, volume 12, issue 7733 (2024), 17 pp.

"This article attempts to explain the current situation of the Turkish media system through the media systems approach as a case study with special attention to the concept of media capture. We propose that the Turkish media system's shift is heavily influenced by media capture. We associate four of ... more

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Uncovering news deserts in Europe: Risks and opportunities for local and community media in the EU
Deep Insights

Sofia Verza, Tijana Blagojev, Danielle Borges, Jan Kermer, Matteo Trevisan, Urbano Reviglio (eds.)

San Domenico di Fiesole (Italy): European University Institute (2024), 224 pp.

"This research is focused on detecting challenges and opportunities for local and community media and identifying news deserts in the 27 EU Member States. It entails a holistic approach towards the concept of news desert, interpreting it as an area that is lacking sufficient, reliable and diverse in ... more

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Barriers to Press Freedoms in Central America: Literature Review Report

Manuel Alejandro Guerrero

USAID (2024), 40 pp.

"Literature on Central America’s media landscape over the last two decades documents significant obstacles to press freedom. Professional, independent journalism faces structural challenges rooted in the excessive concentration of political, economic, and social influence. From a political economy ... more

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Commercial Television as a Blind Spot in Emerging Media Systems: Romania and Bulgaria’s Cases

Madalina Bãlãescu, Vyara Angelova, Romina Surugiu

Media and Communication, volume 12, issue 7765 (2024), 20 pp.

"This study explores TV in Romania and Bulgaria, both considered "emerging" media systems in post-communist studies (Sparks, 1995). It uses Hallin and Mancini's (2004) framework to analyze the central aspects regarding the configuration of commercial TV. The study offers an institutional perspective ... more

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Vibrant Information Barometer: National Report Nepal

Pokharel Umesh, Pandey Lekhanath, Acharya Bhanu Bhakta

IREX; Asia Foundation; USAID (2024), 97 pp.

"The USAID Civil Society and Media (CSM) Program launched the Vibrant Information Barometer (VIBE) study report, which rates Nepal’s information ecosystem as somewhat vibrant. Nepal scored 23 out of 40, which is an average from the score it received under four principles: information quality, chan ... nels, consumption and engagement, and transformative action. According to the report, Lumbini Province scored 24, indicating a slightly more dynamic information landscape than the national average, while Madhesh Province obtained 22, showing a moderately vibrant information environment. [...] The diverse and inclusive expert panel evaluated the vibrancy of Nepal’s media ecosystem based on 20 indicators with 167 sub-indicators. The study engaged over 30 expert panelists from the national level and two provinces, encompassing editors, media managers, civil society members, reporters, educators, and activists. The panelists were asked to assign scores to specific indicators within designated ranges: zero to 10 for indicators categorized as ‘Non-Vibrant’, 11 to 20 for ‘Slightly Vibrant’, 21 to 30 for ‘Somewhat Vibrant’, and 31 to 40 for ‘Highly Vibrant. The VIBE study was conducted by IREX as a part of USAID CSM Program implemented by The Asia Foundation in Nepal in partnership with Pact. The report highlights several key insights about Nepal's media landscape. Urban content producers benefit from advanced resources like studios and AI technology, while their rural counterparts struggle with limited access to essential tools like printing presses, according to Umesh Pokharel, VIBE Lead researcher and author. Similarly, media coverage in Nepal heavily focuses on politics, often at the expense of critical issues such as climate change, development, and marginalized communities, though investigative journalism remains crucial in holding officials accountable. The dominance of the Nepali language in media limits accessibility for diverse communities, but regional outlets in languages like Maithili and Bhojpuri are working to enhance inclusivity. Leadership within Nepal's media is predominantly from the Brahmin and Chhetri communities, resulting in underrepresentation of marginalized groups, although non-professional content producers contribute diverse perspectives. The report further highlights that financial challenges plague the media sector, affecting print, radio, TV, and online outlets, and leading to closures and job losses. Despite these issues, online platforms like YouTube and Facebook complement traditional media by providing diverse voices, although they face challenges related to content moderation and misinformation." (https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/nepal-s-performance-in-information-ecosystem-satisfactory-report) more

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Vibrant Information Barometer: Europe & Eurasia
Deep Insights

Washington, DC: IREX; USAID (2024), 357 pp.

"The 2024 Europe and Eurasia Vibrant Information Barometer (VIBE) covers 18 countries throughout Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia. With VIBE, IREX strives to capture a modern and evolving media space where people are simultaneously producers, transmitters, consumers, and actors in the information t ... more

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The Romanian Media System: Dynamics, Challenges, and Implications for Democracy

Madalina Botan

Media and Communication, volume 12, issue 7847 (2024), 17 pp.

"This article endeavors to delve into the recent transformation of the Romanian media landscape, aiming to offer a nuanced comprehension of the cultural and political dynamics that have influenced journalistic practices. The Romanian media environment has undergone swift changes, transitioning from ... more

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State of Uganda's Media Landscape 2023

Gerlad Walulya, Ivan Lukanda, Sulaiman Kakaire, George Lugalambi, Brian Ssenabulya, Rachel Mugarura-Mutana

Kampala: African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME) (2023), v, 68 pp.

An unbroken spirit: Afghanistan exiled media since the Taliban takeover Deep Insights

Uncovering news deserts in Europe: Risks and opportunities for local and community media in the EU Deep Insights

Vibrant Information Barometer: Europe & Eurasia Deep Insights

An unbroken spirit: Afghanistan exiled media since the Taliban takeover
Deep Insights

Uncovering news deserts in Europe: Risks and opportunities for local and community media in the EU
Deep Insights

Vibrant Information Barometer: Europe & Eurasia
Deep Insights