> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://oecd-media-support-principles.gfmd.info/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://oecd-media-support-principles.gfmd.info/toolkit/case-studies-and-field-insights/case-study-2-funding-stability-and-system-level-dependency-rfe-rl.md).

# Case Study 2: Funding stability and system-level dependency (RFE/RL)

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**Core issue**\
Funding instability affecting system-critical media actors can have disproportionate impacts on the availability and resilience of independent information ecosystems.
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### **Context**

[Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty](https://www.rferl.org/) (RFE/RL) is a publicly funded international broadcaster operating in regions where independent media ecosystems are limited or under pressure.

In a number of countries, it plays a structural role by:

* providing independent news in restricted or high-risk environments
* supporting local journalism through partnerships and content sharing
* reaching audiences underserved by domestic media

As such, RFE/RL functions not only as a media outlet, but as part of the broader infrastructure supporting access to independent information.

### **What happened**

RFE/RL has experienced periods of funding uncertainty linked to political decisions and shifts in funding priorities affecting publicly funded international media support.

Consultations and public reporting indicate that such uncertainty has led to:

* operational instability and constraints on long-term planning
* staff uncertainty and reduced organisational capacity
* limitations on investment in content, infrastructure, and partnerships

Given its structural role in certain markets, these disruptions have had wider system-level implications:

* reduced availability of independent and trusted information
* weakening of partnerships with local media organisations
* increased space for state-controlled or low-quality information sources

### **Why this matters**

This case illustrates how funding volatility can have consequences beyond individual organisations, particularly where media actors are not easily replaceable.

Consultations and sector evidence highlight that:

* short-term funding decisions can undermine long-term resilience
* interruptions in support can lead to loss of capacity that is difficult to rebuild
* ecosystem-level effects are often not fully accounted for in funding decisions

### **Implications for practice**

Identify and prioritise support to **system-critical media actors** within the ecosystem

* Ensure funding mechanisms provide **predictability and continuity**, particularly in fragile or restricted environments
* Assess the **system-wide impact** of funding decisions, not only organisational performance
* Develop **contingency mechanisms** to mitigate sudden funding disruptions
* Align political and budgetary decisions with **operational realities on the ground**

### **Most relevant for**

* [**Senior management and strategy leads**:](/toolkit/role/senior-management-strategy-leads.md) Setting funding priorities and defining acceptable levels of continuity and risk
* [**Heads of Mission / Ambassadors**:](/toolkit/role/heads-of-mission-ambassadors.md) Understanding how funding decisions affect stability, credibility, and influence in-country
* [**Programme and project managers**:](/toolkit/role/programme-and-project-managers.md) Structuring funding to support continuity and reduce volatility
* [**Policy officers / thematic specialists**:](/toolkit/role/policy-officers-thematic-specialists.md) Ensuring funding frameworks reflect ecosystem-level dynamics

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### **Linked principles**

* [**Principle 2**](/toolkit/principle/2-increase-the-amount-and-effectiveness-of-funding.md) **– Increase financial and other forms of support**
* [**Principle 3**](/toolkit/principle/3-adopt-a-whole-of-system-approach.md) **– Take a whole-of-system approach**
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> **Evidence base**
>
> * Consultation inputs highlighting the system-level impact of funding volatility in media support
> * Public reporting and analysis on funding uncertainty affecting Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and similar publicly funded media actors
>   * [About Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty](https://about.rferl.org/) (RFE/RL)
>   * ​[BBC Media Action - Crisis in Journalism](https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaaction/press-release/journalism-in-crisis-report) (2025)
>   * ​[Free Press Unlimited - Global impact of funding disruptions](https://www.freepressunlimited.org/en/current/new-report-reveals-global-fallout-us-government-funding-cuts)​
> * ​[OECD Development Co-operation Principles for Relevant and Effective Support to Media and the Information Environment](https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/2024/05/development-co-operation-principles-for-relevant-and-effective-support-to-media-and-the-information-environment_e8c617a4.html)

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### **Key lesson**

Where media actors play a structural role, funding continuity is a strategic issue. Interruptions can reshape the information environment in ways that are difficult to reverse.
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