Independent Media

Citizen access to information through a resilient media ecosystem is critical to a well functioning democratic system

A proud seven-year-old boy is getting ready to be interviewed by two video trainees in a school located in Kandal Province, Cambodia on February 8, 2017. The growth of internet and social media usage in Cambodia has open up a whole new platform for video storytelling, and the demand for video production skills in Cambodia has skyrocketed in the past three years. Development Innovations provides courses in Khmer to help meet this need for beginner level videographers. Photo Credit: Chandy Mao, Developmen

 In the context of supporting democracy, the concept of media impacts the decisions and activities of governments. Media are the lifeblood of democracy and the means through which citizens and their elected representatives communicate in their reciprocal efforts to inform and influence. Moreover, media for democracy help to compensate where there is a weak, and often non-independent, judiciary and shine a light on corruption. Media provide vital news and information that is in the public interest and play a central role in a vibrant, resilient democracy.

Media programming can include support to the enabling environment for free and independent media, newsroom professionalization, business, sustainability, and market-based capacity, citizen media and information literacy, and journalistic training including safety and security practices.