Studies, reports & briefings

Resources relevant to implementation of the principles in order of publication, with the most recent featured first.

The Value of journalism (June 2026)

A new global evidence review commissioned by UNESCO in partnership with IFPIM and DW Akademie, demonstrates that free and independent media has a profound and positive impact on societies globally.

New report reveals global evidence of independent journalism’sUNESCO

The State of Media Development Report (Apr. 2026)

This report takes stock of the current situation for organizations engaged in expanding and strengthening spaces for reliable information world-wide. It’s alarming, but organizations see a clear path forward.

The State of Media Development Report 2026Deutsche Welle

Safeguarding Media Freedom in the Age of Big Tech Platforms and AI (Oct. 2025)

This policy manual highlights how the current digital information ecosystem — dominated by Big Tech platforms (very large social media and search engines) – has become increasingly captured in ways that undermine media freedom. It underscores the need for democratic state intervention based on rule of law to ensure an enabling environment for independent, pluralistic journalism. The Manual offers a vision for healthy online information spaces, where the availability and accessibility of high-quality, public interest information is ensured. The Policy Manual puts forward urgent mitigation measures and key recommendations for States to implement long-term structural reforms and sustained investments to address the distortions in today’s online information ecosystem.

Safeguarding Media Freedom in the Age of Big Tech Platforms and AIwww.osce.org

TED Network desktop study of EU funding to media and information integrity (2025)

The study of EU funding to media and information integrity analyses the extent to which existing practices align with the principles and includes a summary of discussion with EU Member States. Please contact the TED Network Secretariat to access the report. [e-mail]

The State of Media Development (Apr. 2025)

DW Akademie

A new report by DW Akademie's think tank DW Freedom takes a thorough look at the media development sector, a crucial part of international cooperation. It offers recommendations for its organizations and their funders.

The State of Media Development Report 2025Deutsche Welle

Media Viability Manifesto (2024)

The MVM provides a common framework for joint action from the global media development community and aims to foster strategic collaboration and coordinated implementation. GFMD has been a member of the coalition of organisations that developed the manifesto and is well-placed to ensure that it is incorporated into the Toolkit.

The Media Viability ManifestoMedia Viability Manifesto

Mapping ODA to media and information environment integrity (June 2024)

OECD

This OECD report reflects findings from a quantitative mapping of ODA support (from DAC and nonDAC development partners who report to DAC) to public interest media and the broader information environment, and a qualitative review of development partners’ policies and practices through four case studies of media assistance to Ukraine/Western Balkans, Myanmar, Tanzania and global core funding programmes since 2016.

https://one.oecd.org/document/DCD/DAC/GOVNET(2023)13/en/pdfone.oecd.org

Transforming Media Development – Recommendations for Effective Funding and Collaboration (June 2023)

GFMD

This GFMD study is based on a body of desk research as well as a series of online interviews with GFMD members from Eastern Europe, Asia and South America. It documents the challenges that GFMD’s members face daily in their attempts to raise funds and live up to donor expectations on reporting and accountability.

Recommendations for effective funding and collaborationGFMD

Coordinating media assistance & journalism support (Nov. 2022)

GFMD

In the context of the process to "Renew the principles for effective media assistance" GFMD IMPACT has produced a report on "Coordinating Media Assistance and Journalism Support Efforts" which analyses the scope and focus of media assistance coordination efforts (in Lebanon, Syria, Ukraine and in a few other cases), highlighting common pitfalls as well as best practice.

The report presents a set of recommendations for practical steps that could be used to orchestrate future coordination initiatives, including in conflict and emergency situations.

How to access the report

Summary of the key findings and recommendations (4 pages)

The full report (40 pages)

https://impact.gfmd.info/activities-services/mediadev-principlesimpact.gfmd.info

Confronting the Crisis in Independent Media: A Role for International Assistance (2019)

CIMA- NICHOLAS BENEQUISTA

Confronting the Crisis in Independent Media: A Role for International AssistanceCenter for International Media Assistance

"This report argues that complexity is no excuse for inaction. Solutions to this crisis will require that political agency rise to the daunting level of the challenge, and that the structures of international cooperation—forged as the global response to World War II—are now put into motion to safeguard the foundations of independent media."

Recipient Perceptions of Media Development Assistance (2019)

GFMD

Consultation (2019) | GFMD IMPACTimpact.gfmd.info