State Media Monitor: The world's state media database
State Media Monitor: The world’s state media database
Center for Media, Data & Society, Marius Dragomir
2022
The CMDS has made available its global database of state-administered media organisations, with information on how they are funded, managed and editorially controlled.
“Nearly 80% of the 546 state-administered media companies in 151 countries covered by this report lack editorial independence, analysis of the State Media Matrix data shows. More than 80% of the 436 media outlets whose editorial agenda is controlled by the government in various ways are media companies that fall into our state-controlled media category comprising outlets predominantly funded, managed and editorially controlled by the government.”
Read more: The State of State Media (CMDS)
PSM Innovations
The best and latest public media innovations worldwide
PSM Innovations is a regularly updated feature, which explores the wide variety of innovations being adopted by public media globally. This includes anything from pioneering a new form of tech, or a new way of reaching unheard communities; to a bold move to protect journalists, or an experimental method of countering misinformation.
This is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on how public media organisations are pushing boundaries and developing solutions to new or existing challenges.
If your organisation is embarking on a new innovation which you think PMA would be interested to hear about and share with our members, email us at editor@publicmediaalliance.org.
RTBF supports Ukrainian refugees in Belgium
RTBF has helped expanded its offerings to support Ukrainian refugees arriving in the country since the Russian invasion.
Collaborative media literacy programme takes off in India
BBC Young Reporter India taught more than 8,000 school students about critical thinking, fact-checking and digital safety, to improve media literacy.
NOWU: public media paving the way for a ‘greener web’
France Télévisions and WDR have launched NOWU, a joint youth service aimed at engaging younger audiences about climate change and sustainability issues, and public media.
From Cornwall to Cape Cod: Collaborative radio project unites coastal stations across Atlantic
Public radio station CAI and community radio station Source FM have joined forces in an innovative new radio project to produce hour-long programmes of conversations between their communities.
KBS uses “cutting edge technology” in 2022 election coverage
South Korea’s largest and most trusted public broadcaster used technological innovation to push its election coverage to new heights.
ABCQueer: Australia’s public broadcaster representing marginalised groups
ABCQueer is the Australian public broadcaster's innovative, dedicated channel for representing young LGBTQIA+ Australians.
Czech Television’s services for children on Russia-Ukraine war
Czech Television has launched a new service for children to seek information and ask questions about the Russia-Ukraine war.
Colombia’s local radio stations working for peace
In Colombia, local radio stations are being established to help communities rebuild after decades of civil war.
PBS’ Innovation Centers
A new production initiative by the US’ Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) exemplifies how public media is embracing digital innovation, collaboration, and diversity.
LRT RADIO’s multilingual radio shows
Over the past year, LRT RADIO has experimented with new ways to provide minority groups with trustworthy and reliable news and information.
‘AccessCBC’ – CBC’s new initiative for creators with disabilities
Canada’s public broadcaster recently launched AccessCBC, a new initiative focused on increasing access to CBC for the disabled creator communities.
‘TAHI’ – RNZ’s new platform dedicated for young people
For many public media organisations, reaching younger audiences is an ongoing challenge. RNZ's new platform 'TAHI' is an innovative response to this predicament.
Over to you...
Does your public media organisation have an innovation that you’d like to share?
Let us know by emailing us at editor@publicmediaalliance.org
Header Image: Videoconferencing, Virtual Meeting. Credit: Prostock-studio / Shutterstock.com
PSM Research & Resources
About
Welcome to our shared public media research and resource page in collaboration with IAPMR and CEU – CMDS
Here you will find a broad selection of recommended journals, reports, websites and guides related to the core values of public service media.
Topics include best practices, country reports and the mounting challenges faced by PSM worldwide such as media capture, diminishing budgets and media convergence.
The resources below have been curated by the Public Media Alliance in collaboration with the International Association of Public Media Researchers (IAPMR) and the Central European University’s Centre for Media, Data and Society (CEU-CMDS). You can find out more about our collaborators at the bottom of the page.
Is there something we have missed? Please get in touch, we would be pleased to review it here. Also see the Our Publications section for our own reports and handbooks as well as the InnoPSM website. We also keep track of research news and calls for papers.
Most of the following resources are open-source but some contain links to articles that require an institutional log-in to view. Please refer to your University, institution or employer if this is the case.
Coronavirus: Resources & best practices
Essential resources for sourcing and reporting news about the coronavirus pandemic
Research & Resources
Use the headers below to filter resources
Our Partners
We are pleased to partner with the IAPMR and CEU-CMDS for this resource
IAPMR
The International Association of Public Media Researchers (IAPMR) brings together quality academic and industrial research from different disciplines. We support the continual evolution of public service media by aggregating theory and practice. We look critically from industrial, production, audience, technological, economic and societal perspectives. We run conferences, produce publications and communicate knowledge to academia, industry, governments, and publics.
CEU-CMDS
The Center for Media, Data and Society (CMDS) is a research center for the study of media, communication, and information policy and its impact on society and practice. CMDS is part of the Central European University’s (CEU) School of Public Policy and serves as a focal point for an international network of acclaimed scholars, research institutions and activists. According to its strategy, the Center focuses on the three key challenges faced by journalism: media capture, disjointed policies and declining trust, and addresses these problems with a combination of applied research and investigative journalism.
Header Image: Students Experimenting With Video Software stock photo. Credit: TommL/iStock
Research News
The latest calls for papers and news regarding public service media and communications research.
Call for papers are placed in order of upcoming deadlines. Conference dates can also be found in our events section.
Research funds and other opportunities can also be found via our Grants & Opportunities page.
New study reveals how audiences undervalue the BBC
A new report provides evidence of how British audiences underestimate the value they get from the UK’s largest public service media organisation and…
Funding Democracy: Public Media and Democratic Health in 33 Countries
Funding Democracy: A new report provides evidence of a positive correlation between well-funded public media and healthy democracies.
Report: Impact of Covid-19 on media in Southeast Asia
A research report into the key impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the media across Southeast Asia, and a draft Media Recovery Plan.
News of the nation: The transformation of national broadcasting
Read our report for the Judith Neilson Institute on the changing role of national broadcasters and public media in Asia.
Beyond survival?
New Research: People management strategies for the development and growth of PSBs in the fragmented digital media landscape
Social Media Guidelines | For media professionals & journalists in Southern Africa
Read our latest guidelines developed collaboratively with journalists and media professionals from across Southern Africa.
CfP | RIPE@2020
Public service media has never before had to prove its value within and for society, particularly with an increasingly changing media landscape as…
Finding the funds for journalism to thrive
Finding the funds for journalism to thrive
Policy options to support media viability
UNESCO | Dr. Anya Schiffrin, Prof. Emily Bell, Dr. Julie Posetti & Francesca Edgerton
Published: 2022
“This brief comes as part of the UNESCO series World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development. The brief addresses how policymakers can best respond to the severe financial crisis threatening the supply of independent journalism. It provides a typology of global responses, assesses their pros and cons, and makes 22 actionable recommendations. It builds on the Windhoek+30 Declaration, which underlines media viability as a core principle of information as a public good.”
[Text sourced from UNESCO]
Our Publications
The Public Media Alliance has an established role and reputation in commissioning original research and reports on key themes and stakeholders in public service media.
Here you will find a range of publications, including those produced during our time as the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association. They are all authored by an expert group of media professionals and academics, and cover a diverse range of topics, from the role of documentaries in advocacy to the way in which broadcasters cover elections.
True to the principles of public service media, the following content is free to download.
Code of Conduct: Crisis Management Plan for Journalists and Media in Haiti
2022
The Public Media Alliance is pleased to release our latest code of conduct, this time aimed at media professionals in Haiti.
As part of our project, “Protecting journalists in Haiti and confronting dis- and misinformation during a pandemic”, the Public Media Alliance has developed a French-language crisis management code of conduct for Haitian media professionals to better enable them to report ethically and responsibly on crises and disasters, while ensuring their own safety.
This code was developed using feedback from 30 journalists and media stakeholders in Haiti who participated in virtual training sessions in March 2022 as part of our project.
The code of conduct on crisis management covers:
- Holding power to account through ethical journalism
- Ensuring the safety of journalists in times of crisis
- Countering disinformation through ethical practices, quality journalism, and the promotion of media literacy
The project and this resulting code of conduct were organised by the Public Media Alliance with the support of our local partner Panos Caribbean, the UNESCO Haiti Office, and the Rapid Response Mechanism of the International Program for the Development of Communications (IPDC). We extend our thanks to Mr. Jean Claude Louis, Coordinator of Panos Caribbean, for his invaluable input and support throughout this project. Special thanks are also extended to our workshop trainers and participants and other local organisations who contributed to additional project elements.
Download Code of Conduct:
Impact of COVID-19 on media freedom, journalist safety and media viability in Southeast Asia
2022
The Public Media Alliance’s new research report gives a timely insight into the key impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the media across nine countries in Southeast Asia. Its accompanying draft Media Recovery Plan responds to the key challenges.
The report illustrates the strain news organisations have been under in recent years. For example, they have been forced to accelerate their move to providing more extensive digital services due to various lockdown restrictions; financial pressures imposed by the pandemic have occurred against a backdrop of broader threats to media freedom and the safety of journalists; and several laws purporting to combat the spread of disinformation and misinformation were introduced across the region.
The draft Media Recovery Plan concentrates on the key areas to be addressed in order to create a sustainable media environment, one which enables the media and journalists to work independently and collaboratively during a time of crisis such as COVID-19.
Recommendations include:
- Building strong partnerships between media organisations to produce high quality and cost-effective content
- Establishing a regional (non-governmental) forum to cover welfare, safety, and the freedom of journalists
- Strengthening coordination and communication between states (with respect to media)
- Supporting improved digital media literacy
- Analysing the impact of digitalisation, especially the impact of social media
This important and timely project was organised by the Public Media Alliance, 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). We extend our gratitude to our project facilitators, Laxman Datt Pant, Chairperson of Media Action Nepal, and Tess Bacalla, Project Lead and Editor in Chief of the Asia Democracy Chronicles. Special thanks are also extended to our research contributors.
Download the Research Report:
Download the draft Media Recovery Plan:
Code of Conduct: Improving conflict sensitive reporting & journalist safety in South Asia
2021
In September 2021, 30 journalists from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka gathered virtually to strengthen the capacity of the South Asian media environment in terms of conflict sensitive reporting, journalist safety, and self-regulation.
The participants – from journalists to academics and editors – worked collaboratively to develop a regionally relevant Code of Conduct that will act as a strategy document to advise journalists and media workers across the region on how they can cover pertinent areas in an informed, fair, and safe manner.
Among the areas covered by the Code of Conduct are:
- Minimising risks to communal harmony through an intersectional and impartial journalism
- Human rights and gendered approaches to reporting
- Confidentiality of reliable sources
- Recommendations for further improvements
This important and timely project was organised by the Public Media Alliance, with support from our local partner Media Action Nepal, the UNESCO New Delhi Office, and the UNESCO International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC). We extend our thanks to our workshop facilitators, Mr. Laxman Datt Pant, Chairperson of Media Action Nepal, and Dr. Sadia Jamil, UAE Country Representative of the Asian Media Information and Communication Centre. Special thanks are also extended to our South Asian fellows and media stakeholders from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Download Code of Conduct:
News in Asia
2021
Understanding news media in the world’s most important region
In September 2021, the Judith Neilson Institute published its ‘News in Asia’ report, bringing together experts and institutions to provide a nuanced account of journalism across the continent. The report comprehensively covers a broad range of topics, from changing news production and consumption to the impact of COVID-19 on the news media landscape and media development.
The Public Media Alliance is proud to have also contributed to this important and timely project. In our chapter, News of the nation: The transformation of national broadcasting, we explore the changing role of national broadcasters in Asia with a slide towards greater state control, and how remaining public service media are being redefined and normalised as a form of national broadcasting with less editorial independence.
Social Media Guidelines | For media professionals & journalists in Southern Africa
2019
In June 2019, twenty-four journalists and media makers from the Southern African region (Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa and Zimbabwe) gathered in Windhoek, Namibia, to strengthen the capacity of media in their region by creating and adopting a clear plan on the use of social media in news and broadcasting.
They worked collaboratively to develop these detailed, regionally relevant guidelines on aspects of social media coverage that they could use within their organisations. These guidelines were also produced to strengthen the role of the media in Southern Africa and promote the positive use of social media within newsrooms and media organisations.
These guidelines:
- Cover activities on a media organisation’s social media sites and external sites by journalists and employees of the organisation.
- Exist to ensure that your social media output is as good as it can be and does not do anyone any harm.
- Serve to protect employees as well as the organisations they work for to facilitate responsible journalism.
This important project and guidelines was run by the Public Media Alliance with support and funding from UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), UNESCO Harare and UNESCO Namibia. Our thanks to the workshop trainers Emily-May Brown, Senior Lecturer at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and Robert Freeman, trainer in social media and digital journalism at the BBC College of Journalism.
Guidelines | Reporting Hate Speech, Terrorism & Violence in South East Asia
2019
In March 2019, a group of journalists, media managers and press regulators from five countries in the Asia-Pacific region [Indonesia, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Philippines and Malaysia] met in Kuala Lumpur.
They came together to collaboratively develop a set of guidelines to assist journalists covering hate speech, acts of violence and terrorism across the region. In doing so
Each set of guidelines begins by defining ‘hate speech’, ‘acts of violence’ and ‘terrorism’ respectively. It is important to establish such definitions before developing guidelines on how journalists and media professionals should respond to such situations.
These guidelines are divided into three sections, as there are specific considerations for each scenario, although some of the key principles are applicable in all three situations.
In interpreting these guidelines, consideration must be given to context, editorial justification, freedom of expression, public interest and the capacity of media.
This Action Plan workshop was organised by the Public Media Alliance (PMA) in collaboration with the Ethical Journalism Network (EJN) and with the support of the UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication prorgamme.
Funding Public Media
2019
“In a rapidly changing global media landscape there is growing uncertainty regarding the sustainability of income and funding levels for Public Service Broadcasters and Public Service Media”
These are the timely words written by the Public Media Alliance’s Finance Manager, Mervyn Warner, as many public media organisations seek to find new funding models in an attempt to future proof their financial sustainability. This is also the basis for Mervyn’s latest report, which offers vital insight into current funding models, the risks associated with them, and their potential for the future.
The original BBC model of a direct licence fee, payable by anyone owning and using specific broadcast receiving equipment, is transparent and demands accountability. This direct link between the public and the public media organisation has often been seen as fundamental to the ethos of PSM. But we need to ask if it is still fit for purpose at a time when people are increasingly interacting with public media via multiple platforms and devices.
Public media has evolved considerably worldwide as a response to different national contexts. The way that it is funded has also been adapted and changed. But despite the differences in funding and governance models, PMA is working to highlight and advocate for the shared values of public media. At a time when trust in the media is at an all-time low, these common values need promoting. They underpin democracy and are fundamental to rebuilding public confidence and trust.
To survive and thrive, public media needs secure and stable funding. In an increasingly crowded digital media space, public media needs to change to maintain political and public funding support. It is perhaps time to engage in a critical debate about what is essential and realistic in terms of funding for public media.
This Insight report draws upon Mervyn’s years of experience in media finance and offers a useful reference point for public media organisations to reflect on their current funding models and develop ideas to secure their long term sustainability.
Raw data used in this report can be found via the links below (PDF):
Webinar | Developing guidelines & codes of conduct to report hate speech and acts of terror for South East Asia
2019
Watch our latest webinar, which explores the need to develop detailed guidelines on aspects of hate speech, violence and terrorism coverage for South East Asia that deal with language, significance, and context as well as accuracy and balance. This webinar was delivered by Paul Risley, Senior Communications Officer for East Asia and the Pacific at The World Bank, in partnership with UNESCO, the Ethical Journalism Network and the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union.
Themes:
Understanding and defining hate speech & misconceptions in South East Asia
The role of new technologies and social media in media practice when reporting hate speech and acts of terror
The importance of developing relevant guidelines or codes of conduct to report hate speech and acts of terror
The importance of language and visuals when reporting hate speech and acts of terror
PMA Global Conference 2018 | Presentations
2018
Explore some of the in-depth presentations from PMA18 on the theme “Speak Out! Rebuilding Trust in Media & Democracy”, which took place in Jamaica on 13 August 2018. The event brought together PMA members, journalists and public media thought leaders from around the world to discuss solutions to some of the key issues facing public media and public interest media worldwide.
Reporting Hate Speech & Violence in the Caribbean
2018
In August 2018, a group of journalists and media professionals from across the Caribbean came together in Jamaica to discuss and create an action plan on hate speech and media coverage of violence for the region. The action plan was developed with the regional media landscape in mind, with participants using their local and personal experience to inform its development and ensure its relevance for the Caribbean context.
Social Media Guidelines for Media Professionals & Journalists in the Caribbean
2017
These new Social Media Guidelines were initially developed during a three-day workshop, supported by the UNESCO Caribbean Cluster Office, with inputs and feedback from media professionals and organisations in the Caribbean. The hope is that the guidelines will help new and existing broadcasters in the Caribbean to identify the essential ways in which public service broadcasting and its characteristics can be preserved and strengthened, within the context of emerging technologies and social platforms.
INFORM
The aim of INFORM is to provide a bridge between the academic analysis of Public Service Broadcasting and the views and experience of senior managers working within the industry. This issue places focus on media leadership in times of crisis, disaster and emergency.
New World View
This 2013 report by Charlotte Jenner and John McCarthy examines the key role PSBs play in providing citizens with reliable and engaging international coverage, and how this content can empower audiences to make informed democratic choices. Research includes interviews with heads of PSBs, journalism academics and development experts.
Reviewing the World
A review by Martin Scott, Charlotte Jenner and Rosie Smith of the WorldView project, international coverage and the UK media industry. A detailed impact study of a project that has worked to address barriers to media coverage of developing countries for over a decade through the seed-funding of documentaries.
Brave New World Service
The 2011 report looks into the future of the BBC World Service, prior to some of the largest funding cuts and institutional changes in its history. By John McCarthy with Charlotte Jenner.
A Road Map to Public Service Broadcasting
This 2012 book by Elizabeth Smith looks at countries that have established PSB or are in the process, to provide best practice and guidance for regions embarking on transition. It aims to open minds to the new opportunities offered to broadcasters by digital switchover to lead the way into interactive public service media.
Commonwealth Election Broadcasting
A set of guidelines drawn from a workshop held by the CBA and Commonwealth Secretariat with senior broadcasters from all over the Commonwealth. It upholds the ideal that all broadcast outlets, large or small, rich or poor have a public service duty to contribute to free and fair elections in any way they can.
Covering Elections in Small States
This report by Mary Raine focuses on the way in which elections are covered by broadcasters in small countries and the extent to which the journalistic principles of accuracy, integrity and objectivity are upheld.
Editorial Guidelines
Now in its fourth edition, this handbook by Mary Raine is designed to help broadcasters identify and adopt good practices that ensure sound coverage by the media which operate freely and fairly.
Guidelines for Broadcasters on Promoting UGC and Media and Information Literacy
How broadcasters around the world can encourage audiences to produce better quality user-generated content and to improve media and information literacy. By Martin Scott
Guidelines for Broadcasting Regulation
Supported by Unesco, this second edition is by Eve Salomon, an international media consultant specialising in broadcasting and press regulation and a former Director of Legal Services at the UK Radio Authority.
Handbook on Radio and Television Audience Research
Written by Graham Mytton, this handbook was published by Unicef and Unesco, and is a useful guide to the principles and practice of audience research.
Maximising Income and Controlling Costs in Small and Medium Broadcasting Operations
This handbook covers ways to maximise income and discusses various income streams, corporate planning, marketing plans and an in-depth look at budgeting. Lastly the author Mano Wilkramanayake looks at controlling costs with a detailed sample budget.
Media Literacy from the Perspective of Broadcasters and User-generated Content Producers Around the World
This report is based on a survey of 32 broadcasters around the world, focusing on their policies around three aspects of media literacy. By Lisa Stribbling and Martin Scott.
Media Management Manual
A handbook for television and radio practitioners in countries undergoing digital transition. By John Prescott Thomas.
Performance Measurement
A practical guide to key performance indicators and benchmarking in public broadcasting, by Fulvio Barbuio.
Reflecting the Real World?
Research by Joe Smith, Lucy Edge and Vanessa Morris on how British TV portrayed developing countries in 2005
The World in Focus
How UK audiences connected with the wider world and the international news content in 2009, researched and written by Martin Scott
Public service: A Swedish overview of knowledge (Swedish)
Public service: A Swedish overview of knowledge
Nordicom
Published: June 2022
“The purpose of Public service: A Swedish overview of knowledge is to present in an easily accessible way what empirical research has come to in key issues concerning public service. The chapter authors are active at Swedish universities and colleges, and most of the results and conclusions presented are based on reviews of previously published research. In all chapters, the focus is on public service news journalism.
Public service: A Swedish overview of knowledge is aimed at anyone with an interest in public service – not least politicians, journalists and public debaters.”
[Text sourced from Nordicom]
Resources for Media Workers Covering the Conflict in Ukraine
The Public Media Alliance team has compiled a list of recommended tools and resources for journalists and media organisations covering the fast-developing war in Ukraine. It includes links and guides on conflict reporting, financial assistance and journalist safety. This resource will be updated regularly.
Updated: 25 March 2022
Explore our other relevant tools pages, including Fact Checking & Investigative Journalism Tools and Refugee crises and migration reporting.
Featured resource
Reporters without Borders (RSF) and its local Ukrainian partner, the Institute for Mass Information (IMI) have launched a press freedom center in Lviv, Western Ukraine, that will provide vital physical and digital assistance for journalists working under dangerous conditions in Ukraine. Journalists will be offered protective equipment such as bulletproof vests and helmets; the center itself can also be used as a place for shelter in the event of an attack. They will also be offered information and advice on financial and psychological assistance.
Foreign journalists can also work from the Center between 8am and 8pm where they will have access to internet connection and live-streaming capacities.
CAN YOU HELP? RSF is calling on international donors and media outlets to contact RSF to help provide funds and equipment needed to supply the Center.
Header Image: Warsaw, Poland. 24 February 2022. Anti-war protest outside Russian embassy in Warsaw. Demonstrators call for peace and condemn Putin. Credit: Grand Warszawski / Shutterstock.com
Funding Democracy: Public Media and Democratic Health in 33 Countries
Funding Democracy: Public Media and Democratic Health in 33 Countries
The International Journal of Press/Politics | Timothy Neff and Victor Pickard
Published: 2021
Neff and Pickard’s new report provides further evidence that where public media is better funded, with secure funding and regulatory frameworks, they are “consistently and positively correlated with healthy democracies”, and that citizens are more likely to engage in democratic processes. The study is based on a framework by Hallin and Mancini of North American and European media systems, and in correlation with the rankings of the 33 countries in the top two tiers of The 2019 Democracy Index (“full” and “flawed” democracies), developed by The Economist’s Intelligence Unit (EIU).
The Contribution of NRK to Norwegian Media Diversity
The Contribution of NRK to Norwegian Media Diversity
A review from The Norwegian Media Authority to the Ministry of Culture
Medietilsynet
Published: November 2021
“In a report published on 29 November 2021, the Norwegian Media Authority (NMA) concludes that the public service media provider NRK contributes positively to media diversity and to the overall offer to the public by fulfilling its public service broadcasting remit and by working with other actors in the Norwegian media market. A detailed summary of the report is now available in English.
The objective of the report, commissioned by the Ministry of Culture, was to identify how NRK contributes to diversity of content and exposure, whether it fulfils its duty to cover thematic and geographic blind spots and how the competitive effects of its activities impact on the media market. on online news and current affairs.
The review is based on the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data and studies from a wide range of sources including NRK, public authorities, consultants and academic researchers and takes into consideration input from the media industry.”
[Text sourced from the European platform of regulatory authorities]