Join us for the launch of our Situation Report on the ‘Impact of COVID-19 on media freedom, journalist safety and media viability in Southeast Asia’, and a draft Media Recovery Plan that responds to the key challenges.

Date: Thursday 20th January 2022
Time: 07:30 – 08:30 am (UK time)
Platform: Zoom

The Public Media Alliance (PMA) is pleased to announce the launch of our Situation Report and draft Media Recovery Plan for Southeast Asia. The resources are part of our regional project that seeks to identify and respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on media freedom, media business viability and the safety of journalists in nine Southeast Asian countries. The project was organised by PMA in collaboration with our local partner, the Asia Democracy Network (ADN), and with support from the UNESCO Bangkok Office and the rapid response mechanism of the International Programme for the Development of Communications (IPDC). 

In recent months, PMA has been in consultation with media stakeholders from around the region to gain insights into the key threats imposed by the global health crisis to journalists and media workers in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. The Situation Report documents key insights and research findings, such as reduced advertising revenues or increased restrictions on media freedom. The draft Media Recovery Plan provides recommendations compiled from regional media stakeholders and researchers as to how to respond to these challenges, such as building strong partnerships to produce high quality and cost-effective content; strengthening coordination and communication between states (with respect to media), and supporting improved digital media literacy.

The event’s keynote speaker will be Inday Espina-Varona, Head of Regions of Rappler.com. She will provide an overview of the region as a whole, the continued threats to press freedom and the safety of journalists and how the pandemic has amplified these. Other speakers include Ika Ningtyas, Secretary-General of Aliansi Jurnalis Independen; Johanna Son, Founder and Editor of Reporting ASEAN, and Nop Vy, Executive Director of the Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association (CamboJA). Participants will also hear from Laxman Datt Patt who will discuss the Situation Report, while Tess Bacalla will speak on the feedback and recommendations included in the draft Media Recovery Plan. The session will be moderated by PMA CEO, Sally-Ann Wilson.

The Situation Report and draft regional Media Recovery Plan will be made publicly available from 20 January 2022. The media recovery plan will also be available in six languages: Burmese, Indonesian, Khmer, Malay, Tagalog, and Thai.

To indicate your interest in attending this launch event, please request an invitation below. Due to limited spaces, please note that your registration of interest does not guarantee a space on the day.