3 - Whole of system perspective

Take a whole of system perspective on supporting the media and information environment to make support more relevant, effective and sustainable.

Consider the media and information environment as a development sector in itself, a critical part of efforts to promote and protect democracy, human rights, gender equality and development as well as a sector which can support implementation of other development goals.

Pursuing a holistic and systemic approach towards the media and information environment, which takes into account its legal, political, economic, gender, technological and societal dimensions.

Adopting a long-term approach to media assistance, acknowledging that empowering relevant stakeholders and systems needs time and long-term strategic programming.

Developing solid and up-to-date diagnostics and thorough analysis of the media and information environment in each country based on data and evidence, as well as an assessment of the potential and specific needs of the people, particular audiences and public interest media organisations in each context.

Supporting a diverse range of media, journalism and information stakeholders, which may include print, broadcast, new and social media, long- and short-form video production, podcasting, startup media, not-for-profit hybrids, storytellers, individual content creators, minority-language media, gender sensitive and gender transformative media, investigative journalism, media associations and others.

Supporting innovation in media business models to improve organisations’ financial resilience and sustainability, allowing organisations to survive whilst avoiding excessive dependence on donor support.

Supporting the broader enabling environment for public interest media and information, including a human rights based legal and regulatory system, access to information for journalists, journalists’ safety measures, media representative bodies, journalists’ or editors’ associations, media researchers, media monitors, advocacy organisations and coalitions as well as investing in media education in society and in media organisations in particular.

Where relevant, connecting infrastructure investments in the information environment (telecommunications, broadband, etc.) with initiatives that safeguard information integrity.

Supporting engagement with national and global multistakeholder fora and engaging with social media and tech companies on policy debates, norm setting, experience exchanges, and information sharing.

Designing and supporting efforts to build resilience to mis- and disinformation for example through strengthening the skills and capacities of local media, increasing access to trustworthy information online and offline, and supporting fact checking, prebunking and improved digital and media literacy.

Supporting processes which enable media organisations to engage with large digital platforms to build the sustainability of public interest media, increase access to trustworthy information online and offline, and minimise the risks of stifling legitimate freedom of expression.