This report maps the complex legislative frameworks of community broadcasters in more than 30 countries. It examines how the sector can be strengthened in line with international standards and provides analysis and recommendations that may be of interest to donors and policy makers as they set priorities for media development.

The purpose of this Report is to promote greater understanding about the challenges and potential of community media, and to highlight better practices, with a view to helping UNESCO Member States identify and address priority areas for reform in their national contexts.

As a growing sector, community radio facilitates access to educational, public health, and agricultural information and provides an open platform for democratic public debate. Women and youth are among the primary beneficiaries of community radio in developing countries.

There are many models possible for community radio but often international standards underpinning freedoms of expression and information tend to be overlooked and good practices on media development are hardly adopted in a manner that privileges grassroots community needs. This publication offers some insight to advance the legal recognition of community broadcasters and to invite partnerships and innovative measures that will ensure their future sustainability.