UNESCO's Media Development Indicators
The Media Development Indicators (MDIs) aim to enable a comprehensive assessment of media landscapes at the national level. These indicators are currently being applied in various countries worldwide to identify their specific needs in view of guiding the formulation of media-related policies and improving the targeting of media development efforts.
In 2008, the IPDC Intergovernmental Council endorsed the MDIs and adopted a Decision inviting the IPDC Bureau and other stakeholders working in the area of media development to take the indicators into account when determining, in tandem with national authorities, communication development strategies at the national level.
The MDIs were developed through a two-year international consultation process, which began with a detailed mapping of the existing initiatives to define indicators of media development. Based on this mapping, a set of indicators was developed with the aim of covering all aspects of media development.
"The MDIs are an important diagnostic tool for all stakeholders to assess media development in a given country, and to thereby determine the areas in which assistance is most needed."
In 2008, the IPDC Intergovernmental Council endorsed the MDIs and adopted a Decision inviting the IPDC Bureau and other stakeholders working in the area of media development to take the indicators into account when determining, in tandem with national authorities, communication development strategies within the overall context of national development.
The MDIs have since been widely acknowledged by major actors in the media development field, including UNDP, the World Bank, the Council of Europe, the International Federation of Journalists, International Media Support, and other regional and local partners.
The MDIs define a framework within which the media can best contribute to, and benefit from, good governance and democratic development. This requires an environment that ensures freedom of expression, and pluralism and diversity of the media.
By indicator, one should understand a quantitative or qualitative factor or variable, measured over time, that provides a simple and reliable basis for assessing achievements, change, or performance in a country’s media landscape. For each indicator, the MDI framework suggests various means of verification and potential data sources.
The MDIs are structured around five categories:
- A system of regulation conducive to freedom of expression and pluralism and diversity of the media;
- Plurality and diversity of media, a level economic playing field, and transparency of ownership;
- Media as a platform for democratic discourse;
- Professional capacity building and supporting institutions that help underpin freedom of expression, pluralism, and diversity; and
- Infrastructural capacity sufficient to support independent and pluralistic media.
Documents
Endorsed by the Intergovernmental Council of the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) at its 26th session (26-28 March 2008)
Document code : CI/COM/2008/PI/3
Collation : 102 p. + 1 CD-ROM
Document code : CI-2008/IPDC/PI/1
Collation : 32 pages
