> 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/senior-management-strategy-leads/start-here-quick-checklist-for-senior-management-strategy-leads.md).

# Start here: Quick checklist  for Senior Management / Strategy Leads

### Context & relevance

☐ Is support to independent media and information integrity clearly reflected in strategic priorities and leadership messaging?

☐ Are links between media support and core objectives - such as governance, stability, and security - explicitly recognised?

☐ Are media-related considerations integrated across relevant policy areas (e.g. governance, digital transformation, security), rather than treated as a standalone issue?

### Do no harm

☐ Are risks to different types of media actors (e.g. local outlets, investigative journalists, public interest media) recognised at strategic level?

☐ Is there clarity on acceptable levels of risk when supporting independent media in politically sensitive environments?

☐ Are trade-offs between visibility, accountability, and partner safety explicitly considered in strategic direction?

{% hint style="info" %}

#### Quick test

If media support were removed from current priorities, would this create gaps in governance, accountability, or information integrity outcomes?\
Are media-related risks and opportunities sufficiently visible in strategic discussions and decision-making?\
Do current priorities enable teams to recognise and act on media-related issues across sectors?
{% endhint %}

### Increase financial and other forms of support

☐ Do funding decisions reflect the long-term nature of media development and sustainability challenges?

☐ Are resources allocated in a way that enables continuity, not only short-term or project-based interventions?

☐ Are funding instruments sufficiently flexible to support media-related objectives across different contexts?

### Take a whole-of-system approach

☐ Does strategic planning reflect how media systems interact with regulation, markets, digital platforms, and governance dynamics?

☐ Are media considerations integrated into broader initiatives (e.g. anti-corruption, public administration reform, digital policy, competition policy)?

☐ Is there awareness of how decisions in other sectors may affect media viability and independence?

### Strengthen local leadership and ownership

☐ Do strategic priorities recognise the role of local media actors, networks, and support organisations as independent actors?

☐ Are approaches designed to avoid positioning media actors as extensions of external agendas?

☐ Are trade-offs between accountability requirements and local ownership considered at strategic level?

### Improve coordination of support

☐ Are existing coordination mechanisms (e.g. donor working groups, platforms, joint initiatives) actively used across sectors and donors?

☐ Are roles and responsibilities clearly defined to avoid duplication or gaps across teams, instruments, and partners?

☐ Are criteria clear for when coordination or joint approaches are expected or required?

### Invest in knowledge, research, and learning

☐ Are strategic decisions informed by up-to-date, media-specific analysis (e.g. market conditions, audience trust, information flows)?

☐ Are field-level insights and partner perspectives used to inform strategic priorities and adjustments?

☐ Are lessons from implementation systematically reflected in strategy updates and planning cycles?

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

{% file src="/files/eodwZd0eeyVpqnjeTHCT" %}