Ethics & independence

Articles about the ethics of donor and foundation-support to journalism/media development and its consequences for the independence of beneficiaries.

This resource page is a work in progress. Please get in touch to let us know what is missing using this form.

For non-academic research, reports and articles on ethics & independence go to

Five Latin American media that refuse to be silenced (May, 2022)

GlobalVoices- JACOBO NÁJERA, KELLY CHAIB DE MARES, BELEN FEBRES, GABRIELA MESONES ROJO

Five Latin American media that refuse to be silencedGlobal Voices

"Independent media strive to overcome the different forms of silencing with innovative ideas. The Latin American community of Global Voices researched five alternative media informing people in creative ways."

Disastrous for press freedom: What Russia's goal of an isolated internet means for journalists (May, 2022)

CPJ- ALICIA CECCANESE

‘Disastrous for press freedom’: What Russia’s goal of an isolated internet means for journalistsCommittee to Protect Journalists

"Russia’s invasion of Ukraine presents a danger not only for reporters operating in the war zone. The campaign could also pose a broader threat to press freedoms and other civil liberties if it brings the Kremlin closer to its dream of creating a domestically controlled internet."

Ukraine war: Without local media, no one would have heard the cries for help (March, 2022)

PressGazette- TETIANA

Ukraine war: Without local media, no one would hear the cries for helpPress Gazette

"Newspapers are forced to stop publication. Online media face daily DDOS attacks, hacking, and emailed threats of torture, arrest and persecution. Russian occupiers destroy or seize TV towers, shell media offices, disable radio broadcasting, block access to Ukrainian media sites, and target journalists."

The Facebook Papers: How Authoritarian Governments are Pressuring Platforms to Stifle Free Speech (March, 2022)

CIMA- GIDEON SARPONG

The Facebook Papers: How Authoritarian Governments Are Pressuring Platforms to Stifle Free SpeechCenter for International Media Assistance

"Last year’s avalanche of media stories about Meta (formerly Facebook), capped by revelations from the whistleblower Frances Haugen, a former product manager for the company, has put a spotlight on Facebook and how the platform could exercise greater transparency to allow citizens to have access to high quality and independent information."

Why the Nobel Peace Prize award is a huge blow to Facebook (October 9, 2021)

Washington Post- NINA JANKOWICZ

Opinion | Why the Nobel Peace Prize award is a huge blow to FacebookWashington Post

"In an era when attacks on the press have been increasing, Ressa and Muratov are a reminder of the critical role the Fourth Estate plays in upholding democracy. But Ressa’s win has another dimension as well: It also is an indictment of the failings of Facebook."

Decolonising journalism: what does it mean, why does it matter and where do you start? (Sept. 2021)

Journalism.co.uk - JACOB GRANGER

“The New Humanitarian is rethinking coverage of conflict and crises to be more inclusive and empowering for the communities at the centre of the story.”

Decolonising journalism: what does it mean, why does it matter and where do you start?journalismnews

Blueprints for better collaboration between journalists and donors (2018)

European Journalism Centre - ADAM THOMAS

Blueprints for better collaboration between journalists and donorsMedium

Does Gates Funding of Media Taint Objectivity? (2011)

The Seattle Times - SANDI DOUGHTON & KRISTI HEIM

Does Gates funding of media taint objectivity?The Seattle Times

This often-cited article highlights concerns around whether growing support for media organizations by foundations can ‘blur the line between journalism and advocacy’. The authors also ask, ‘How can reporting be unbiased when a major player holds the purse strings?’ (Humanitarian Journalism)

Foundations, Funding and Independence (2002)

Poynter Institute - RAUL RAMIREZ

Foundations, Funding, and Independence - PoynterPoynter

This short article about the opportunities and challenges of foundation funding ends with an early attempt to offer guidance for journalists on how to negotiate the ethical issues in this area. The suggested practices include, ‘provide unambiguous disclosure’ and ‘build a solid firewall and honour it’.

MORE RESOURCES

For more resources on ethics and independence:

• Academic studies & papers

• Research & reports

WHAT IS MISSING?

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