> 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/role/policy-officers-thematic-specialists.md).

# Policy Officers / Thematic Specialists

Policy Officers and Thematic Specialists play a central role in shaping how support to independent media and information integrity is prioritised, framed, and integrated across institutional policies and funding approaches. Decisions taken at this level - on strategic priorities, thematic frameworks, and policy guidance - directly influence whether media support is treated as a core component of broader agendas or remains fragmented and under-prioritised.

This role operates at the intersection of policy development, strategic planning, and cross-sector coordination. Policy choices determine how media and information integrity are understood within wider domains such as governance, digital transformation, security, and development cooperation. This includes how media systems function in practice - across regulatory frameworks, market conditions, and the ways in which information is produced, distributed, and trusted by audiences. These choices also shape how priorities are translated into programming guidance, funding instruments, and operational decisions.

Consultations highlighted that even where commitments to media freedom and information integrity exist, they are not always consistently reflected across policies, instruments, or sectors. In practice, this can result in gaps between strategic ambition and implementation, including limitations linked to funding frameworks, coordination mechanisms, and competing priorities. Policy choices at this level also influence how risks affecting media actors - including political pressure, regulatory constraints, and visibility considerations - are recognised and addressed.

Strengthening coherence, integration, and strategic positioning at this level is therefore critical to ensuring that support is effective, aligned, and sustained over time.

This section provides practical guidance to support policy development and thematic programming in line with the OECD DAC Principles on Relevant and Effective Support to Media and the Information Environment.

### How to use this section

Depending on your needs, you can navigate directly to:

[**Start here: Quick checklist**](/toolkit/role/policy-officers-thematic-specialists/start-here-quick-checklist-for-policy-officers-thematic-specialists.md)\
A rapid “stress test” to assess whether policy frameworks and thematic priorities are coherent, context-sensitive, and effectively integrated across sectors.

[**Key considerations for policy and thematic approaches**](/toolkit/role/policy-officers-thematic-specialists/key-considerations-for-policy-and-thematic-approaches.md)\
Common challenges, strategic trade-offs, and what effective policy-level support looks like in practice.

[**Detailed guidance by principle**](/toolkit/role/policy-officers-thematic-specialists/applying-the-oecd-principles-in-practice.md)\
Actionable recommendations aligned with the six OECD Principles.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Tip**

If you are new to media and information integrity, start with the [narrative section](/toolkit/role/policy-officers-thematic-specialists/key-considerations-for-policy-and-thematic-approaches.md).

If you are developing strategies or reviewing policy frameworks, begin with the [checklist](/toolkit/role/policy-officers-thematic-specialists/start-here-quick-checklist-for-policy-officers-thematic-specialists.md).
{% endhint %}