Tipping Point: Democratic Erosion and the Assault on Press Freedom

The majority of people now live under illiberal regimes or some form of autocracy as a consequence of democratic declines occurring globally since 2010. Understanding the driving forces behind this historic setback to democratic progress will be essential for turning the tide. An analysis of media indicators in the Varieties of Democracy Institute’s global index illustrates a common pattern in countries experiencing democratic setbacks, with important implications for action.

Turning the Tide on Autocrats Starts with Supporting a Free Press

At a moment of existential threat to independent media in many countries, the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to two of the world’s bravest and most committed journalists—Maria Ressa of Rappler, and Dmitry Muratov of Novaya Gazeta—sends an important message. For the sake of democratic societies, a free press and access to trustworthy information must remain sacred.

Spyware: An Unregulated and Escalating Threat to Independent Media

The use of spyware poses safety risks to journalists and their sources, encourages self-censorship, and creates new financial and operational strains for news outlets. Media advocates, news outlets, and policymakers must articulate the irreparable harm spyware poses to independent media in order to develop a robust response.

The Untapped Potential of Regional Cooperation for Media Reform in Southern Africa

The 1991 adoption of the Windhoek Declaration in Namibia ushered in a continent-wide commitment to supporting independent media in Africa. Despite initial progress, including the establishment of the regional Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA), independent media in the region continues to suffer. However, there remains strong enthusiasm among media actors in Southern Africa to reignite a regional network to promote solidarity, address the myriad challenges independent media in the region face, and articulate an African vision and agenda for media development.

Tracking Media Development Donor Funding

International donors, both public and private, play an essential role in media development worldwide. Visit our Media Development Donor Profiles page for all of CIMA’s research on donor funding levels and strategic priorities.

What is Media Development?

The term “media development” refers to evolution and change in the fields of news media and communications. This evolution can be stimulated by donor support, private investment, or indigenous processes of change led by media owners, managers, journalists, or other players such as media industry associations, or other collective efforts.

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Tipping Point: Democratic Erosion and the Assault on Press Freedom

The majority of people now live under illiberal regimes or some form of autocracy as a consequence of democratic declines occurring globally since 2010. Understanding the driving forces behind this historic setback to democratic progress will be essential for turning the tide. An analysis of media i...
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Wednesday, September 29th, 2021

A New Battlefront: The Effect of Commercial Spyware on Independent Media

A New Battlefront: The Effect of Commercial Spyware on Independent Media Wednesday, September 29 10:...

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Thursday, July 29th, 2021

Thinking Globally, Acting Locally: Shaping the Future of Global Digital Democracy through Localized Approaches

Thinking Globally, Acting Locally: Shaping the Future of Global Digital Democracy through Localized ...

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Thursday, July 15th, 2021

The Power of Data: A New Way to Measure International Media Development

The Power of Data: A New Way to Measure International Media Development Thursday, July 15 9:30 a.m. ...

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The Source

Turning the Tide on Autocrats Starts with Supporting a Free Press

Turning the Tide on Autocrats Starts with Supporting a Free Press

'No Safe Haven': Commercial Spyware’s Global Reach

‘No Safe Haven’: Commercial Spyware’s Global Reach

The New Censorship: Why Protecting Journalists Online from Harassment is Critical to Press Freedom

The New Censorship: Why Protecting Journalists Online from Harassment is Critical to Press Freedom

Regional Collaboration in Southern Africa: Solidarity in the Age of Fragmentation

Regional Collaboration in Southern Africa: Solidarity in the Age of Fragmentation

Armenia’s New Digital Disinformation Bills Threaten Free Speech and Press Freedom

Armenia’s New Digital Disinformation Bills Threaten Free Speech and Press Freedom

Media Capture in the Digital Age

Media Capture in the Digital Age

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