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“Hatred of journalism threatens democracies” – launch of Reporters Without Borders’ 2018 World Press Freedom Index.

Published every year since 2002 by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the World Press Freedom Index is an important advocacy tool based on the principle of emulation between states. Because it is well known, its influence over governments is growing. Many heads of state and government fear its annual publication. The Index is a point of reference that is quoted by media throughout the world and is used by diplomats and international entities such as the United Nations and the World Bank.

The Index ranks 180 countries according to the level of freedom available to journalists. It is a snapshot of the media freedom situation based on an evaluation of pluralism, independence of the media, quality of legislative framework and safety of journalists in each country. It does not rank public policies even if governments obviously have a major impact on their country’s ranking. Nor is it an indicator of the quality of journalism in each country.

Click here for full report.

Supporting Journalism in Conflict Societies (MeCoDEM Policy Brief 2016)

This policy brief puts forward suggestions for improved journalism support in the context of democratisation conflicts. It draws conclusions from interviews with journalists and media development actors.

The policy brief concludes with concrete recommendations as to how media development efforts can be better geared to the realities of conflict reporting, thus enhancing the effectiveness of support measures.

The recommendations in brief: • To consider the safety of journalists • To take local conditions as a starting point • To intensify research and evaluation activities • To involve multiple stakeholders and facilitate exchange • To prioritise long-term formats • To make allowance for flexible budgets in media development projects • To establish learning and exchange mechanisms between the various organisations that are active on the ground • To apply a qualitative approach for evaluating media development projects

Mexican Journalism, Still in the Line of Fire (CIMA report, updated 2016)

Mexico is the deadliest country in Latin America for journalists, with press watchdog groups registering at least one attack against the press every day.

In April 2012, CIMA published Dangerous Work: Violence Against Mexico’s Journalists and Lessons from Colombia, a report detailing the violence against the media and recommending steps that the Mexican government could take in order to remedy the situation.

The government of Mexico did enact some measures to protect journalists starting in 2012. Mexican Journalism, Still in the Line of Fire, is an update to the earlier CIMA report. It examines the results of government efforts to halt the violence and points out that despite those measures the situation for journalists and media in Mexico has only become worse.

Supporting Safety of Journalists in Kenya: An assessment based on UNESCO’s Journalist Safety Indicators (UNESCO 2016)

UNESCO’s report documents the national state of journalist’s safety and the issue of impunity by providing an overview of the safety situation of journalists in Kenya. It also points out the context of safety and the responsibility of all stakeholders in addressing the issue of journalists’ safety in Kenya.

The study was conducted by African Media Initiative (AMI), in consultation with UNESCO. This activity was funded by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Programme on Development of Communication (IPDC) which is a multilateral forum in the UN system that not only provides support for media projects but also seeks an accord to secure a healthy environment for the growth of free and pluralistic media in developing countries. It was carried out within the efforts of UNESCO to “promote an enabling environment for freedom of expression, press freedom and journalistic safety in Kenya.”

The report was developed through a multi-stakeholder engagement and consultation process that included a media stakeholders meeting held on 22 May 2015, which provided a platform for participants to plan the study’s methodology and the responsibility of diverse actors relevant to the media sector in Kenya. A second consultation meeting was also held on 23 February 2016 to review the draft study report and implementation of the recommendations therein. A peer review exercise of the study was also carried out before its publication.

‘Lifeline Programming’ for journalists reporting during a humanitarian crisis – BBC Media Action online course

This free, online ‘Lifeline Programming’ course shows journalists and editors how media can best help their listeners and viewers during a humanitarian crisis.

The 45 minute course – narrated by Lyse Doucet, the BBC’s chief international correspondent – includes interactive modules on ‘communicating during crises’, ‘connecting with audiences’ and ‘working with the humanitarian sector’.

The aim of Lifeline Programming is to alleviate people’s suffering and assist with their recovery. It provides timely, relevant and practical information on subjects ranging from food water and shelter to medical care and psychological support.

Affected people are also given the opportunity to voice their concerns, express their needs, share their stories and solutions and hold humanitarian aid providers to account.

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