Literature Review & Case Studies

This page features literature, case studies and mapping documents relevant to the regional meeting of GFMD members and partners across the Latin America and Caribbean region on 4 May 2024.

OECD Development Cooperation Principles on Relevant and Effective Support to Media and the Information Environment

On 22 March 2024, the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) adopted the Development Cooperation Principles on Relevant and Effective Support to Media and the Information Environment.

The Principles are the culmination of over two years of advocacy led by the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD) and the Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) in cooperation with the DAC secretariat and representatives from the United Kingdom, Sweden, Switzerland, the United States, France, and others.

The Principles seek to reinvigorate international support to media and the information environment, uniting the vital role of media and journalism in development and democracy, the severity of the crises facing public interest media and information integrity, emerging initiatives to improve innovation and coordination, and growing understanding of aid and development effectiveness and the impact of assistance.

What are the six Principles?

The six Principles aspire to encourage development co-operation providers to improve the relevance and effectiveness of their support to preserve, protect, and promote public interest media and information integrity in the following ways:

1. Ensure that assistance does no harm to public interest media.

2. Increase financial and other forms of support.

3. Take a whole of system perspective.

4. Strengthen local leadership and ownership.

5. Improve coordination of support.

6. Invest in knowledge, research, and learning.

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Business Models

Resource: Canva Business Model Template (2020)

SembraMedia

Document Type: Guide

Language: Spanish

SembraMedia recommends creating a business model when launching an entrepreneurial media outlet. This guide presents materials such as the Business Model Canvas, which will help you better understand the concept and apply it to your project.

Como usar el "Business Model Canvas" para desarrollar un modelo de negocio - SEMBRAMEDIASembraMedia

Why should philanthropists fund journalism? (2024)

Public Interest News Foundation

Authored by: Jonathan Heawood

Document Type: Analysis

Language: English

PINF's Executive Director, Jonathan Heawood, reflects on the Journalism Funders Forum and discusses their goal of raising £50,000 for the Indie News Fund.

https://www.publicinterestnews.org.uk/post/why-should-we-fund-journalismwww.publicinterestnews.org.uk

Basic Guide to Financing Brazilian Digital Journalism \ Guia básico de financiamento do jornalismo digital brasileiro (2023)

Ajor & Repórter Brasil

Document Type: Report

Language: Portuguese

This resource provides tips for creating and maintaining ties with potential funders, as well as a mapping of potential philanthropic investors. \ Recurso traz dicas para criar e manter laços com possíveis financiadores, além de um mapeamento de potenciais investidores filantrópicos

Guia básico de financiamento do jornalismo digital brasileiroAjor - Associação de Jornalismo Digital

Censorship and Safety of Journalists

Guide for Journalists and Human Rights Defenders on Content Removal in Electoral Contexts (2023)

Article19

Document Type: Guide

Language: Spanish

This guide analyzes the terms, conditions, community standards, and policies of the five most widely used digital platforms currently: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Additionally, it identifies the authorities and institutions with the authority to request content removal and the mechanisms they use to do so. All of this with the aim of strengthening the tools that journalists and human rights defenders use to address potential content removals during electoral contexts in Mexico.

Venezuela: Journalism and self-regulation in need of a new revolution (2023)

Ethical Journalism Network

Authored by: Gregorio Salazar

Document Type: Analysis

Language: English

The analysis explores the media landscape in Venezuela since 1999, revealing a landscape heavily influenced by government control and censorship. It highlights challenges to journalistic independence, including manipulation of ownership, suppression of dissenting voices, and limited enforcement of ethical standards. Amidst these obstacles, the concept of self-regulation emerges as vital yet elusive. The analysis underscores the urgent need for a renewed commitment to ethical journalism and pluralism in Venezuela.

Venezuela: Journalism and self-regulation in need of a new revolutionEthical Journalism Network

From Discrediting to Censorship: When Power Attacks the Press (2024)

Connectas

Authored by: Suhelis Tejero

Document Type: Analysis

Language: English, Spanish

With their campaigns against independent media, governments in several countries of Latin America are beginning to threaten press freedom. Could the extreme measures of Nicolás Maduro and Daniel Ortega, such as media blockades and closures, be replicated?

Del desprestigio a la censura: cuando el poder ataca a la prensaCONNECTAS

The Protection Desk for Journalists (MAPP) is introduced, which will provide responses from civil society in the protection of journalism (2023)

Fundamedios

Document Type: Press release

Language: Spanish

The Articulation Desk for the Protection of Journalists (MAPP) was presented on September 7, 2023, to the public and media as a voluntary union among civil society actors, media outlets, and communication workers, aimed at creating effective networks to address cases of imminent risk against the lives and freedom of journalists in Ecuador in the exercise of their profession.

Se presenta la Mesa de Protección para Periodistas (MAPP) que dará respuestas desde la sociedad civil en la protección del periodismoFundamedios

Repression and Financial Problems Lead to Journalism Abandonment in Nicaragua (2024)

Fundación por la Libertad de Expresión y Democracia (FLED)

Document Type: Report

Language: Spanish

The Foundation for Freedom of Expression and Democracy (FLED) presents its Quarterly Report (January-March 2024) on violations of Press Freedom in Nicaragua, highlighting the fear among journalists of reprisals, the closure of information spaces, and the lack of coverage of religious activities due to the persecution of the Catholic Church. Additionally, it highlights the criminalization of journalism and notes that in 7 departments of the country, there is no independent journalistic practice. It is recorded that around 251 journalists are in exile due to repression as of March 2024.

Represión y problemas financieros provocan el abandono del periodismo en Nicaragua - FLEDFLED

Corruption

Clues for Investigating the Routes of Corruption (2022)

Consejo de Redacción

Document Type: Guide

Language: Spanish

In the four chapters of this publication, readers will be able to journey through the most notable corruption scandals of recent decades, learn about tools for investigating corruption, and discover how to ask the right questions to detect "red flags" that can lead to investigative leads. They will also learn about methods and insights from the authors, who have uncovered corruption cases.

https://consejoderedaccion.org/images/zoo/publicaciones/archivos/CdR_Corrupcion_DIGITAL_FINAL.pdfconsejoderedaccion.org

Digital Media

El Hormiguero' Digital native media in Latin America (2022)

Fundación Gabo

Document Type: Study

Language: English, Spanish

This study, divided into four parts, has set out to map Latin American digital native media. In the first part, a database was created with media outlets from 12 countries in the continent (Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Cuba). In the second part, these media outlets were profiled using a questionnaire to help get to know them better, investigate their identity, their potential for sustainability and growth, how they are managed, their publication and distribution tools, and their relationship with their audiences. The third section focused on what these media understand by the quality of journalism, and finally, the fourth section provides a detailed analysis of cases that showcased diversity.

Informe 'El Hormiguero'mailchi.mp

Disinformation and Misinformation

Unveiling Disinformation: Lessons, Challenges, and Recommendations (2024)

Fundación Gabo

Authored by: Fundación Gabo & Proyecto Desconfío

Document Type: Guide

Language: Spanish

Drawing on examples of best practices and specialized projects that are at the forefront against disinformation, this guide proposes a necessary and urgent conversation based on a selection of what happened at the 2023 edition of the Global Summit on Disinformation. During the summit, presentations, analyses, and project rounds provided insights into how to address this challenge.

Desinformación al descubierto: aprendizajes, retos y recomendacionesmailchi.mp

New map sheds light on the state of disinformation legislation in Latin America and beyond (2023)

LatAm Journalism Review

Authored by: André Duchiade

Document Type: Analysis

Language: English, Spanish, Portuguese

The article highlights the growing concern over disinformation worldwide, prompting legislative responses from governments, particularly in Latin America. LupaMundi, an initiative by the Brazilian fact-checking agency Lupa, maps out the current state of disinformation laws globally, revealing the presence of specific regulations in only 35 countries. Despite efforts to combat disinformation, concerns linger about potential threats to freedom of expression and democracy, particularly in authoritarian regimes like Nicaragua and Cuba. In Latin America, initiatives such as Brazil's Fake News Bill aim to address disinformation challenges, though debates over the bill's potential impact on freedom of expression persist. The discussion revolves around finding a balance between regulating harmful content and upholding democratic principles, underscoring the complexities surrounding disinformation legislation in the region and beyond.

New map sheds light on the state of disinformation legislation in Latin America and beyondLatAm Journalism Review by the Knight Center

LupaMundi - Map of legislation on disinformation is an interactive map showing national laws to counter disinformation (2024)

LupaMundi

Document Type: Report

Language: English, Portuguese

LupaMundi - Map of legislation on disinformation is an interactive map showing national laws to counter disinformation. The map allows different views, with filters by category, country and topic. The legislation presented may deal with the issue in a specific way, or more generally. LupaMundi also presents bills that are relevant to the geopolitical landscape. Browse and learn more about laws to combat disinformation.

Lupa Mundi • LupaAgência Lupa

Action Plan Combatting misinformation and disinformation for Caribbean media workers (2022)

Public Media Alliance

Authored by: Public Media Alliance, UNESCO Cluster Office for the Caribbean, the Media Institute of the Caribbean (MIC), and the Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM)

Document Type: Action plan

Language: English

The plan incorporates the key points raised by regional media stakeholders as part of PMA’s research and feedback. The plan not only benefited from consultations from both media professionals and media owners/managers, but also from months-long research conducted in several Caribbean territories.

Key points include:

• The need for strengthened and increased collaboration amongst regional journalists, media associations, and media houses.

• The importance of launching a public awareness campaign aimed at empowering audiences on how to spot misinformation and disinformation.

• A commitment to train and develop the region’s journalists.

Facts not Fakes: Tackling Disinformation, Strengthening Information Integrity (2024)

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

Document Type: Report

Language: English, Spanish, French

Rising disinformation has far-reaching consequences in many policy areas ranging from public health to national security. It can cast doubt on factual evidence, jeopardise the implementation of public policies and undermine people's trust in the integrity of democratic institutions. This report explores how to respond to these challenges and reinforce democracy. It presents an analytical framework to guide countries in the design of policies, looking at three complementary dimensions: implementing policies to enhance the transparency, accountability, and plurality of information sources; fostering societal resilience to disinformation; and upgrading governance measures and public institutions to uphold the integrity of the information space.

Facts not Fakes: Tackling Disinformation, Strengthening Information IntegrityOECD

Freedom and Access to Information

Freedom of And Access to Information Advocacy Toolkit (2023)

Media Institute of the Caribbean

Document Type: Toolkit

Language: English

The Media Institute of the Caribbean launches its yearlong Freedom of Information Project from January to October 2023. Through five stages, it aims to set a regional standard for FOI legislation, supporting journalists and civil society while promoting transparency and accountability in the Caribbean.

TOOLKIT: Freedom of And Access to Information Advocacy Toolkit — Media Institute of the CaribbeanMedia Institute of the Caribbean

Development Cooperation Principles on Relevant and Effective Support to Media and the Information Environment (2024)

GFMD and CIMA in cooperation with the DAC secretariat

Document Type: Document

Language: English

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has officially adopted the Development Cooperation Principles on Relevant and Effective Support to Media and the Information Environment. The adoption by the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee (DAC) at a meeting on March 22 in Paris follows the Principles’ approval by the DAC’s Network on Governance earlier this month. The Principles are the culmination of over two years of advocacy led by the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD) and the Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) in cooperation with the DAC secretariat and representatives from the United Kingdom, Sweden, Switzerland, the United States, France, and others.

https://one.oecd.org/document/DCD/DAC(2024)15/FINAL/en/pdfone.oecd.org

The Brave Resistance of Independent Media in a Hostile Central America for the Press (2023)

SembraMedia

Authored by: María Fernanda Cruz Chaves

Document Type: Analysis

Language: Spanish

In a hostile Central American environment for the press, independent media outlets demonstrate brave resistance against overwhelming challenges. Despite the risks stemming from political pressures, economic limitations, and threats to journalistic integrity, these outlets persist in collaborative efforts, defy attempts to silence them, and navigate adversities to uphold the principles of press freedom and truth-seeking.

https://sembramedia.org/casos-de-estudio/la-valiente-resistencia-de-los-medios-independientes-en-una-centroamerica-hostil-para-la-prensa/sembramedia.org

Freedom of Expression and Press Freedom

Report on Findings of the International Mission on Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression in Guatemala (2022)

Voces del Sur, ARTICLE 19 Oficina para México y Centroamérica, Freedom House, Free Press Unlimited, Protection International Mesoamérica, Reporteros Sin Fronteras, Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Fundamedios, Fundación para la LIbertad de Prensa (FLIP), IFEX-ALC

Document Type: Report

Language: Spanish

This report aims to echo its findings and the voices of journalists in Guatemala, while also providing relevant recommendations. To achieve this, it presents the findings and conclusions obtained during this observation mission. It also details the challenges faced by journalists and communicators, as well as the underlying causes of the current state of freedom of expression in the country.

Informe de hallazgos de la misión GuatemalaVoces del Sur

Special Report on the Situation of Freedom of Expression in Peru (2023)

OAS

Authored by: Pedro Vaca Villarreal

Document Type: Report

Language: Spanish

The Special Rapporteurship for Freedom of Expression (RELE) of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) publishes the Special Report on the Situation of Freedom of Expression in Peru, following the visit conducted between May 16 and 20, 2022. The report compiles, analyzes, and systematizes the information received before, during, and after the visit to the country, addressing various complaints about violations of freedom of expression, challenges to the guarantees of this right, and recognizing progress.

Chapultepec Index on Freedom of Expression and Press, 2022-2023 Edition (2024)

Índice Chapultepec de Libertad de Expresión y de Prensa

Document Type: Report

Language: Spanish

The Chapultepec Index shows a concerning decline in freedom of expression and press freedoms in the Americas region. Countries like Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Cuba stand out for their restrictions, while others like Honduras, El Salvador, and Bolivia show worrying trends. Although some countries like the Dominican Republic have improved, the overall situation is concerning. It is crucial that measures are taken to protect these fundamental freedoms, as they are essential for democracy and development.

ÍNDICE CHAPULTEPECwww.indicedechapultepec.com

Regarding President Milei's criticisms of journalism (2024)

Foro de Periodismo Argentino (FOPEA)

Document Type: Press release

Language: Spanish

The Argentine Journalism Forum (FOPEA) rejects President Javier Milei's criticisms of the press and warns that they only exacerbate hostility and intolerance towards journalism.

Sobre las descalificaciones del Presidente Milei al periodismoFOPEA

‘Their lives would be in danger’: Surge of violence in Ecuador threatens accountability journalism (2024)

ICIJ

Authored by: Brenda Medina

Document Type: News Report

Language: English

ICIJ spoke with member Paúl Mena Mena about his concerns that the worsening security crisis could silence Ecuadorian journalists.

‘Their lives would be in danger’: Surge of violence in Ecuador threatens accountability journalism - ICIJInternational Consortium of Investigative Journalists

Cuba: Resistance Against Censorship (2024)

Article19

Document Type: Report

Language: Spanish

The report provides an account of the state of freedom of expression in the year 2023 and those rights associated with it, such as manifestation, information, and assembly, addressing both the actions of the State and those of journalists, activists, and the general citizenry, amidst an increasingly profound economic, political, and social crisis.

Cuba: la resistencia frente a la censuraARTICLE 19 MX-CA

El Salvador: Serious Deterioration of Press Freedom: RSF and Allied Organizations Urge National Authorities to Guarantee Protections for the Right to Information (2024)

Reporteros Sin Fronteras (RSF), Artículo 19 México y Centroamérica, Protection International Mesoamérica, Fundación para la Libertad de Prensa, Free Press Unlimited, Fundamedios, Voces del Sur, Comité para la Protección de los Periodista

Document Type: Press release

Language: Spanish

Reporters Without Borders and seven other human rights organizations observe a serious deterioration in freedom of information in El Salvador in the context of the presidential elections held on February 4th, during which there were at least 80 violations of press freedom. National authorities must put a stop to this trend and restore genuine freedom of information.

EL SALVADOR | Grave deterioro de la libertad de prensa: RSF y organizaciones aliadas piden a las autoridades nacionales garantías para proteger el derecho a la informaciónReporteros Sin Fronteras

The Cost of Noise: The Millionaire Expenditure on Official Advertising and Its Impact on Freedom of Expression (2024)

FLIP

Document Type: Report

Language: Spanish

Over the last four years, the main city councils and governorships spent over 650 million Colombian pesos, often without proper care for public resources and blurring the purposes of official advertising. In this initial phase of their mandates, the authorities of incoming city councils and governorships will face a crucial dilemma for democracy: whether to use official advertising funds to inform citizens about their management or to spend it promoting their own image and personal interests. This choice entails risks for public interest information, transparency in state spending, and the reputation of the media.

El costo del ruido: el millonario gasto en publicidad oficial y su impacto en la libertad de expresión | FLIPflip.org.co

Information Brief on Haiti

Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM)

Document Type: Briefing

Language: English

The briefing represents the findings of a team constituted by the Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM) to investigate the state of press freedom in Haiti in the face of ongoing violent conflict and instability. It follows a series of consultations with key Haitian operatives and agencies with an interest in press freedom. There is a need for a far more comprehensive and detailed study, but it is believed that the findings have captured most of the main issues at this time.

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Impact of COVID-19

Transformations and Learnings of Ibero-American Media in the Post-Pandemic Era (2023)

ADEPA

Authored by: ADEPA & Infociudadania

Document Type: Report

Language: Spanish

The report analyzes the impact of COVID-19 on mass media in Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Panama, Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Spain. During the pandemic, the whole world came to a halt, but the journalistic industry operated with extraordinary intensity. Media professionals not only had to respond to an unprecedented demand for information but also faced additional challenges associated with lack of funding, precarious physical and job security, restructuring of working conditions and modes, and phenomena such as misinformation, among other aspects.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Media sustainability in Latin America (2021)

UNESCO

Authored by: Agustín Espada

Document Type: Report

Language: English, Spanish

This study investigates the impact of the pandemic on the business models and sustainability strategies of Latin American media. It analyzes the sources of income, the challenges faced by the advertising market, and the adaptive measures undertaken by commercial private media to engage their audiences amidst significant shifts in social behaviors. Additionally, the study examines the roles played by state and community media in ensuring accessibility to essential information. Concluding with an assessment of the policies implemented by Latin American countries, the study evaluates their effectiveness in addressing the evolving needs of the media industry.

https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000377631_engunesdoc.unesco.org

Innovation

Inflection Point International (2021)

SembraMedia

Document Type: Study

Language: English, Spanish, Portuguese

A study of the impact, innovation, threats, and sustainability of digital media entrepreneurs in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

Executive SummaryData 2021

Resumen ejecutivoData 2021

Resumo executivoData 2021

Project Oasis (2023)

SembraMedia

Document Type: Study

Language: English, Spanish

Project Oasis is a year-long research project on the sustainability, innovation, and impact of independent digital native news organisations in more than 40 countries across Europe. Its goal is to bring greater visibility to digital native media organisations, and to uncover new insights about the trends, opportunities, and challenges in this growing market sector.

About the study - Project Oasis Europe - Global Project OasisGlobal Project Oasis

https://projectoasiseurope.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Reporte-Project-Oasis-espanol.pdfprojectoasiseurope.com

Media Education

Starting Point II: Report on Entrepreneurial Journalism Education in Universities in Latin America and Spain (2023)

SembraMedia

Document Type: Study

Language: English, Spanish

This report focuses on entrepreneurial journalism education in Latin America. It delves into how new skills are being taught to address current challenges. It may stray slightly from the topic, but I believe it helps paint a contextual picture. It was funded by UNESCO.

Through the Pandemic, State of the Caribbean 2022 (2023)

Media Institute of the Caribbean

Authored by: Nazima Raghubir

Document Type: Report

Language: English

The State of the Caribbean Media Report reflects on the growth of regional media since The Looming Storm in 2005, marking the 20th anniversary of the Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM). Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, this edition explores the challenges faced by the media industry while highlighting its crucial role in public life. Authored by media practitioners in collaboration with regional colleagues, the report offers insights into key issues like election coverage and climate crisis reporting. It aims to stimulate dialogue and engagement in shaping the future of Caribbean media, recognizing their significance in advancing democracy and regional development.

REPORT: Through the Pandemic, State of the Caribbean 2022 — Media Institute of the CaribbeanMedia Institute of the Caribbean

Media Inclusion

Being Indigenous, Being a Journalist! A Challenge in Central America (2024)

Galería News

Authored by: Abigail Hernández & Brisa Bucardo

Document Type: News Report

Language: Spanish

Community-based indigenous press issues a call to Central American journalism to work against inequalities among the peoples of the isthmus and to unify journalism in defense of freedom of expression in the region. Seven indigenous journalists share from their realities what it means to be indigenous and a journalist in Central America.

https://www.galerianews.com/ser-indigena-ser-periodista-un-reto-en-centroamerica/www.galerianews.com

Manual for Communication Professionals, Advertisers, Journalists, Designers, Artists, and Creators: Gender, Sexuality, Race, and Ableism (2021)

Periodismo de Barrio

Authored by: Periodismo de barrio & Afrocubana

Document Type: Guide

Language: Spanish

This manual, focused on the Cuban context, brings together concepts and examples of best practices, as well as explanations that will guide you in your professional actions to contribute to the eradication of discriminatory practices and the construction of fairer and more equitable worlds.

Media Literacy

Information as a fundamental public good for democracy (2024)

Proyecto Antonio Nariño (PAN): la Fundación Gabo, la Asociación Colombiana de Medios de Información (AMI), Consejo de Redacción, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FESCOL) y la Fundación para la Libertad de Prensa (FLIP)

Authored by: Ricardo Corredor Cure

Document Type: Working Paper

Language: Spanish

The document is the result of consultancy work and interviews with 51 national and international experts, aimed at presenting a diagnosis and stimulating discussions and concrete proposals to address current challenges in the media ecosystem. It also proposes to develop actions for media literacy and digital citizenship, in collaboration with governmental entities and civil society organizations, to expand the impact of these initiatives. It also suggests the creation of spaces for dialogue among sector actors to discuss and agree on essential aspects related to journalistic ethics, quality and transparency standards, and measures for protection against threats and pressures.

https://ceper.uniandes.edu.co/noticia/ricardo-corredor-cure-es-autor-del-documento-la-informacion-como-bien-publico-fundamental-para-la-democracia/ceper.uniandes.edu.co

Situation Report Media literacy, disinformation & misinformation in the Caribbean (2023)

Media Institute of the Caribbean

Authored by: Public Media Alliance, UNESCO Cluster Office for the Caribbean, the Media Institute of the Caribbean (MIC), and the Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM)

Document Type: Report

Language: English

This situation report analyses media and information literacy (MIL), disinformation, and trust in news across the Caribbean. It contains country reports from eight researchers, covering eight Caribbean nations: the Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago. In each country, research was undertaken over a period of five months. The methods varied across the countries, and included surveys, desk research, and expert interviews. Separately, research was undertaken to determine the feasibility of a regional trusted news network.

Media Sustainability and Viability

What and Why Supporting Digital Media with a Holistic Approach? (2024)

SembraMedia

Authored by: Naimid Cirelli

Document Type: Analysis

Language: Spanish

SembraMedia has been engaged in thoughtful consideration regarding how to effectively assist leaders of digital media outlets across the region, identifying shifting variables and addressing current needs. Whether you represent an organization, serve as an educator, or lead a media enterprise, you can benefit from their insights and learnings.

¿Qué es y por qué sirve apoyar a los medios digitales con un enfoque holístico? - SEMBRAMEDIASembraMedia

Entrepreneurial Journalism: A hope for press freedom in Latin America (2023)

Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom

Authored by: María José Salcedo Campos, Alexandra Patricia Arévalo Muñoz & Alfredo Alejandro Suárez García

Document Type: Study

Language: English

This paper presents the results of a Friedrich Naumann Foundation investigation of press freedom in Latin America and its relationship to the financial security of journalists in Mexico, Chile, Argentina and Ecuador. The study highlights the complex interplay between financial security and press freedom, underscoring the importance of an environment where journalists can work independently and addressing the challenges they face in the pursuit of a free press in Latin America. The Friedrich Naumann Foundation contributes to this debate for democracy and human rights in the region.

Entrepreneurial JournalismFriedrich Naumann Foundation

Bolstering Caribbean Media Support: The Vicious Circle Of Viability (2022)

CIMA

Authored by: Kiran Maharaj

Document Type: Analysis

Language: English

This analysis addresses the pressing challenges confronting independent media and investigative journalism in the Caribbean. The paper stresses the importance of international donor support while advocating for tailored legislative reforms to safeguard press freedom and promote transparency. It calls for economic assistance, regulatory measures, and collaboration among stakeholders to break the cycle of media vulnerability. Without concerted action, the viability of media in the region, essential for democracy, remains at risk.

Bolstering Caribbean Media Support: The Vicious Circle of ViabilityCenter for International Media Assistance

On the viability of Caribbean media (2023)

Columbia Journalism Review

Authored by: Wesley Gibbins

Document Type: Analysis

Language: English

This analysis delves into the challenges facing Caribbean media, including declining revenues and market share due to the dominance of online platforms like Facebook and Google Ads. Traditional outlets across the region struggle with layoffs and closures, exacerbated by the rise of tech giants and the preference of domestic advertisers for cheaper online options. While policy interventions are proposed, including fiscal regulations and recognition of intellectual property value, the region faces significant hurdles in adapting to the digital age, necessitating urgent action to ensure the sector's viability.

On the viability of Caribbean mediaColumbia Journalism Review

Public Media Funding

Funding Models for Public Television Channels in Latin America (2017)

Revista Cuadernos Artesanos de Latina

Authored by: Monica Lopez-Golan & Nancy Ulloa Erazo

Document Type: Study

Language: Spanish

This paper shows that the trend in Latin American public television experiences is marked, in general, by a diversification of financing where the public initiative receives both public and private funds. However, there are exceptions to models of public television stations with a self-financing system, which allows them more independence from the government and impartiality in the programming design.

(PDF) Modelos de financiación de los canales de televisión pública en LatinoaméricaResearchGate

The Challenge of Financing State-Owned Media in Latin America: A Pending and Urgent Debate (2020)

Revista Internacional de Comunicación y Desarrollo

Authored by: Alejandro Felix Linares

Document Type: Study

Language: Spanish

"The article reconstructs the financing mechanisms, related regulations, and trends in the budgets managed by state-owned media in Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and Brazil. From there, trends and comparisons are drawn, contrasting with the experiences of Canada and the United Kingdom. The central period selected spans from 2014 to 2017, but it seeks to recognize regularities or ruptures over time by retrieving figures from 2004 and 2009. The methodology includes conducting interviews, evaluating accounting documentation, reviewing public documents, and analyzing specific literature.

It is concluded that limiting sources of funding to the national budget or commercial advertising undermines the predictability of these projects. Therefore, the advantages of incorporating a variety of economic supply mechanisms are proposed."

El desafío del financiamiento de los medios estatales en América Latina. Un debate pendiente y urgente | Revista Internacional de Comunicación y Desarrollo (RICD)revistas.usc.gal

Threats to the Media

The closure of the main public news agency deals a severe blow to the right to information (2024)

RSF

Document Type: Report

Language: Spanish

The news agency Télam's offices were sealed and surrounded by police, and its website was shut down. According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the decision by the recently elected president, Javier Milei, to close the country's main public news agency deals a severe blow to the right to information and sends an alarming signal for media pluralism. The suspension of Télam could be just the first stage of a long chain of attacks against the media by a president openly hostile to the press.

Argentina: el cierre de la principal agencia pública de noticias asesta un duro golpe al derecho a la informaciónrsf.org

The precarious future of public media in Argentina (2023)

Public Media Alliance

Document Type: Analysis

Language: English

The article talks about the uncertain future of public media in Argentina during the recent elections. One candidate wants to get rid of public media altogether. There's not much trust or interest in media among the public, and the upcoming election could decide what happens to public service media. Javier Milei's far-right party wants to get rid of public services like media. Public media is closely tied to the government, no matter who's in charge. Financial problems and the possibility of privatization make things even harder for public media. Nobody knows what will happen next, but some people are trying to protect public media's role in democracy and making sure everyone can get information.

The precarious future of public media in Argentina - Public Media AlliancePublic Media Alliance

Journalists Murdered in Mexico: From 2000 to Present, ARTICLE 19 has Documented 163 Murders and 32 Disappearances of Journalists in Mexico (2024)

Article19

Document Type: Report

Language: Spanish

From 2000 to the present, ARTICLE 19 has documented 163 murders of journalists in Mexico, possibly related to their work. Of these, 43 have occurred during the current government of Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and 47 during the previous administration of Enrique Peña Nieto. The government of Javier Duarte, which began in December 2010 and ended on November 30, 2016, in Veracruz, has been the deadliest for journalists: 18 journalists murdered (including photojournalist Rubén Espinosa). This state has the highest record of journalist murders, with 31.

Periodistas asesinadas/osARTICLE 19 MX-CA

Displaced Journalists in Latin America and the Caribbean: Needs Assessment and Recommendations for Action (2024)

UNESCO & SOCOLAC

Document Type: Report

Language: English, Spanish

The report addresses the complex challenges media professionals face in the region. It provides an analysis of the needs of displaced journalists as well as recommendations for the implementation of a comprehensive response programme encompassing short-term policies and long-term actions across legal, psychosocial support, media sustainability, and safety domains.

Supporting Media Spaces for Displaced Journalists in Latin America andwww.unesco.org

https://articles.unesco.org/sites/default/files/medias/fichiers/2024/04/SOCOLAC-PIDC-PeriodistasDesplazamiento%20LAC.pdfarticles.unesco.org

Funding for journalism and media support in the LATAM region

Building regional strategies for media development in Latin America and the Caribbean: Mapping the funding landscape for media and journalism support in the Latin America and Caribbean region.

If your organisation is working in the LATAM region, please view the third tab of this spreadsheet.

If you'd like access to edit the spreadsheet, please send an e-mail to [e-mail]

Information from the spreadsheet will be used to:

• Inform the GFMD regional summit on 4 May.

• Identify gaps in funding and areas for collaboration/coordination.

• Further advocacy for donors, funders and policymakers.