Three pillars identified in the consultative process so far

So far, the three pillars of common concern and possible collective action that have been highlighted in the consultation on the principles of the effective media assistance are:

1.Enabling environment and political will

Taking steps to create better enabling conditions and political will for media work. This pillar responds to the need for a more rigorous practice, in places where there is increased potential to have impact. This is especially important in the countries and areas where there is a government clampdown on journalists; thus, making successful media development near impossible.

Examples:

• the critical role of shared diagnostics;

• supporting multi-stakeholder dialogues;

• talking about the necessary reforms at the country-level;

• building political will for reforms;

• assisting governments in implementing reform;

• ensuring that other governance donor work and broader human rights reforms take the needs of the media sector into account.

“In this pillar we’re saying that media development needs to be an explicit priority, and considered in all aspects of donor work.” -Media Policy Expert

2. Effectiveness of media development support

This pillar is examining more specific ways to improve the effectiveness of the work on the country and regional level.

It looks at:

• how the work that the sector has been doing so far can be scaled up;

• the importance of learning from the vast knowledge of the enormously experienced international and local implementers;

• the vitality of ensuring we “do no harm” in media development;

• creating long term engagements;

• working with well-established media support organisations that have a track record of the highest professional standards in media support;

• deploying tried donor practices and principles used in other areas of donor work.

3. Digital governance and technology aspects of media development

This pillar looks at digital governance, technology, and the ways that donors can contribute to a better understanding of the impact the technology world has on the media sector.

“There is no doubt that the future of the news, everywhere, will be digital. And it will depend on an internet that creates incentives for truth-telling and high-quality information.” -Media Policy Advisor

Examples of interventions:

• donors can make important contributions in this area by building the capacity of local actors to engage on digital governance and debates;

• increasing knowledge-sharing, especially between media development partners and practitioners and regulators in the digital field;

• and, pursuing evidence-based donor practices that help local capacity and leadership

A donor representative suggested during the discussion to potentially, for the benefit of not engaging in the very broad discussion, consider focusing on pillar two, rather than developing all three pillars.