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.

CIMA's Most Recent

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Twitter as a Newsgathering Tool: Challenges and Possibilities for Independent Media

Social media platforms are having profound impacts on the practice of journalism, which now involves a complex interplay of technologies, journalistic routines, and media economies.  Platforms like Twitter are particularly important for news outlets in developing countries and emerging democracies....
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Tuesday, November 16th, 2021

El periodismo independiente amenazado por la creciente industria del malware espía

El periodismo independiente amenazado por la creciente industria del malware espía Martes,16 de n...

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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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The Source

Year In Review: Top 5 CIMA Publications of 2021

Year In Review: Top 5 CIMA Publications of 2021

CIMA Q&A with Yohannes Eneyew Ayalew: The Dangers of Media “Ethnification” in Ethiopia

CIMA Q&A with Yohannes Eneyew Ayalew: The Dangers of Media “Ethnification” in Ethiopia

Disinformation-for-hire: The Pollution of News Ecosystems and Erosion of Public Trust

Disinformation-for-hire: The Pollution of News Ecosystems and Erosion of Public Trust

Contracorriente: cómo un medio de comunicación hondureño sobrevive a un entorno mediático hostil

Contracorriente: cómo un medio de comunicación hondureño sobrevive a un entorno mediático hostil

Contracorriente: How One Honduran News Outlet Survives a Hostile Media Environment

Contracorriente: How One Honduran News Outlet Survives a Hostile Media Environment

Turning the Tide on Autocrats Starts with Supporting a Free Press

Turning the Tide on Autocrats Starts with Supporting a Free Press

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