Developing Independent Media as an Institution of Accountable Governance

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DEVELOPING INDEPENDENT
MEDIA
AS AN INSTITUTION OF
ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNANCE
A HOW-TO GUIDE
Shanthi KalathilDEVELOPING INDEPENDENT
MEDIA AS AN INSTITUTION OF
ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNANCEDEVELOPING INDEPENDENT
MEDIA AS AN INSTITUTION OF
ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNANCE
A HOW-TO GUIDE
SHANTHI KALATHIL© 2011 The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank
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Washington DC 20433
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1 2 3 4 14 13 12 11
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ISBN: 978-0-8213-8629-3
eISBN: 978-0-8213-8751-1
DOI: 10.1596/978-0-8213-8629-3
Cover design: Naylor Design, Inc.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Kalathil, Shanthi.
Developing independent media as an institution of accountable governance / Shanthi
Kalathil.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Includes webliography.
ISBN 978-0-8213-8629-3 — ISBN 978-0-8213-8751-1 (electronic)
1. Mass media—Political aspects. 2. Representative government and representation. I. Title.
P95.8.K35 2011
302.23—dc22
2011006386Contents
Foreword vii
Acknowledgments ix
About the Author xi1 Target Audience for the Toolkit 1
2 Media De velopment: A Key Part of
Governance Reform 3
3 Gr asping the Fundamentals: Building Blocks
of an Independent Media Sector 7
4 From Assessment to Program Concept: Political
Economy Analysis 11
5 Fr om Concept to Design: Putting the Program
Together 21
6 Other Factors to Consider 51
7 Monitoring and Evaluation: Finding What Works 57
8 Pr actical Considerations for Donors: Getting the
Work Done 61
9 Resources 65
Appendix A. Sample Assessment Questions 69
Appendix B. Sample Indicators for Media
Development Programs 71
Appendix C. Sample Terms of Reference for Media
Development Consultant 73
Index 75
vvi Contents
Boxes
4.1. Priorities and Sequencing 17
4.2. Sample Optimal Programs for Media Reform 19
5.1. Building Media Infrastructure: Keep in Mind 22
5.2. Media Literacy: Keep in Mind 34
5.3. Professional Skills: Keep in Mind 36
5.4. Enabling Environment: Keep in Mind 43
5.5. Sustainability: Keep in Mind 48
6.1. Conf ict and Postconf ict Environments: Keep in Mind 53
6.2. Anticipating Change: Keep in Mind 56
8.1. Getting the Work Done: Keep in Mind 64
Figures
4.1. Analytical Steps 13
4.2. Sample Stakeholder Map: Media Reform 16
Tables
5.1. Permissive Environment: Program Components 23
5.2. Semi-Permissive Environments: Program Components 35
5.3. Nonpermissive Envirrogram C45Foreword
The World Bank’s Communication for Governance and Accountability Program
(CommGAP) has spent several years exploring the linkages between the media and
governance reform. The fi rst stage of this process produced Public Sentinel: News
Media and Governance Reform, an edited volume that explored key issues sur-
rounding the role of the media in democratic governance and the policy interven-
tions that might enable this role.
This how-to guide represents the second stage of that process: turning theo-
retical and policy conclusions into a practical guide for those seeking to enhance
good governance by empowering the media. An early needs assessment revealed
limited understanding of media development and the role it can play in foster-
ing accountable governance. This toolkit accordingly provides the whys, hows,
whens, and whats of supporting the development of independent, pluralistic and
sustainable media.
As part of the production process, CommGAP convened four meetings in
2009—three in Washington, D.C., and one in London—that solicited advice, input,
and concrete suggestions from media development experts. This guide thus
refl ects decades of collective experience and the assembled best practices of a
wide cross-section of the media development community. I would like to thank all
those who contributed their time and expertise to this process.
As noted recently by World Bank President Robert Zoellick, “Institutions mat-
ter, but so do citizens.” We at CommGAP hope this publication can serve as one
tool for those in the business of helping citizens demand better governance.
Sina Odugbemi
Program Head
Communication for Governance and Accountability Program
vii