> 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/start-here-quick-checklist-for-policy-officers-thematic-specialists.md).

# Start here: Quick checklist for Policy Officers / Thematic Specialists

### Context & relevance

☐ Do you have a clear understanding of the local media and information ecosystem (including media markets, regulatory environment, key actors, and how information is produced and consumed)? 

☐ Have you distinguished between media actors and other civil society actors in your policy approach (e.g. roles, risks, funding needs)?

☐ Does your policy framework reflect how media systems function in practice (including regulation, market conditions, and audience trust)?

☐ Are media and information ecosystem considerations integrated into broader policy areas (e.g. governance, digital, security)?

### Do no harm

☐ Have you identified risks specific to different types of media actors (e.g. local outlets, investigative journalists, public interest media), including risks arising from the political and regulatory context as well as from the intervention itself?

☐ Have you considered potential unintended harm not only to media actors, but also to other groups (e.g. civil society actors, audiences, or marginalised communities)?

☐ Are these risks clearly reflected in policy frameworks and thematic guidance, not only at programme level?

☐ Have you considered how policy decisions (e.g. visibility requirements, funding modalities) may affect editorial independence and credibility?

☐ Are safeguards in place to prevent unintended harm to partners, beneficiaries, and wider affected groups (e.g. civil society actors, audiences, or marginalised communities)?

{% hint style="info" %}

### Quick test

If media-specific risks (e.g. regulatory pressure, political sensitivity, visibility) increase, would the current policy approach still be appropriate?
{% endhint %}

### Increase financial and other forms of support

☐ Are media and information integrity clearly positioned within funding frameworks and policy priorities?

☐ Do funding instruments allow programme officers to support media-specific needs (e.g. sustainability, infrastructure, or ecosystem-level interventions)?

☐ Are policy priorities aligned with what programme officers can realistically support within existing instruments?

☐ Do funding approaches reflect the economic realities of media markets, including revenue constraints and long-term sustainability challenges?

### Take a whole-of-system approach

☐ Does your policy approach reflect the full media ecosystem (content production, distribution channels, infrastructure, regulation, audiences) and its interaction with other programmes and interventions in-country?

☐ Does the policy framework enable programme officers to address interconnections between media, digital platforms, governance systems, and regulation (e.g. digital policy, anti-corruption, public administration)?

☐ Are media considerations integrated across relevant sectors (e.g. governance, digital, security), rather than treated as standalone?

☐ Does your approach avoid reinforcing fragmented or isolated interventions?

### Strengthen local leadership and ownership

☐ Do policy approaches recognise the role of local media actors, journalist networks, and support organisations in shaping media ecosystems?

☐ Are local actors able to influence priorities and strategies at policy level?

☐ Do policy frameworks reinforce editorial independence and credibility?

☐ Are different types of media actors (e.g. local outlets, investigative journalists, support organisations) reflected in policy approaches?

### Improve coordination of support

☐ Does the policy framework or strategy define clear criteria for when coordination or joint approaches should be used (e.g. through existing donor platforms, working groups, or joint initiatives)?

☐ Are roles and responsibilities across donors, teams, and instruments clearly defined?

☐ Are there clear criteria for when coordination or joint approaches are required versus optional?

☐ Does the policy approach help reduce duplication and conflicting priorities across donors?

### Invest in knowledge, research, and learning

☐ Is your policy approach informed by media-specific data (e.g. media markets, audience trust, information consumption patterns)?

☐ Do you understand how information is accessed and trusted in the local context?

☐ Are known gaps in media sector data acknowledged and addressed where possible?

☐ Are feedback loops in place to ensure learning informs policy updates and strategic decisions?

**Download and print the checklist from here:**

{% file src="/files/gfbDzyTYWfFx1kqgWAxH" %}