Media Development Indicators (MDIs)

© UNESCO - Cover of publication "Media Development Indicators: a framework for assessing media development"

In accordance with its standard-setting role, IPDC has developed a comprehensive set of Media Development Indicators (MDIs) aimed at enabling the assessment of media landscapes at national level. These indicators, that cover all aspects of media development, 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.

Background

The Media Development Indicators were developed through a broad international consultation launched by the IPDC Intergovernmental Council at its 25th session in 2006. The indicators were endorsed by the Council at its subsequent session in 2008 as 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”. The Council adopted a  Decision inviting the IPDC Bureau and other stakeholders working in the area of media development to take the Media Development Indicators into account when determining, in tandem with national authorities, communication development strategies within the overall context of national development.

Since 2008, the MDIs have been widely acknowledged by major actors in the media development field, including UNDP, the World Bank and the Council of Europe (see Resolution 1636, 2008). 

The MDIs: a framework for assessing media development

The Media Development Indicators define a framework within which the media can best contribute to, and benefit from, good governance and democratic development. The MDIs look at all aspects of the media environment and are structured around the five following categories:

  1. A system of regulation conducive to freedom of expression, pluralism and diversity of the media
  2. Plurality and diversity of media, a level economic playing field and transparency of ownership 
  3. Media as a platform for democratic discourse 
  4. Professional capacity building and supporting institutions that underpins freedom of expression, pluralism and diversity 
  5. Infrastructural capacity is sufficient to support independent and pluralistic media

Taken as a whole, they provide an aspirational picture of the media ecology to be constructed in order to ensure freedom of expression, 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 as well as potential data sources.

Applying the Media Development Indicators

The Media Development Indicators framework is currently being applied in a number of pilot countries to carry out in-depth assessments of their media environment. Comprehensive assessments have thus been completed in Bhutan, Croatia, Ecuador, Gabon, Jordan, the Maldives, Mauritania, Mozambique and Timor Leste, while others have been launched in Bolivia, Brazil, Egypt, Mali, Nepal, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay and Venezuela, as well as a regional project in South-East Europe. In most cases, UNESCO has partnered with a credible independent local research institution or media development organization, in charge of coordinating the study. Emphasis is placed on conducting multi-stakeholder consultations involving both private and public actors. These assessments result in the formulation of a series of evidence-based recommendations aimed at helping policy makers and media development actors to address identified gaps and foster enabling environments for free, independent and pluralistic media.

UNESCO has recently finalized a practical guidebook to assist researchers in applying the Media Development Indicators, based on the lessons learnt from the first series of assessments.

The Media Development Indicators are also being used in the definition of a UN common approach to media development and good governance.

Finally, the IPDC Bureau has revised the format for the submission of projects requesting submitters to explain the links between MDIs and the development objectives of their proposals.


Developing new media statistics with the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)

In order to fully operationalize the Media Development Indicators framework, a new set of standardized media statistics, which uses the MDIs as a starting point, has been developed in collaboration with the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS). The new survey was piloted in 28 countries around the world throughout 2011 and further refined on the basis of this experience. A second piloting phase has begun in 2012 and is expected to involve some 60 countries.  A regular UNESCO media survey will be launched globally from 2013 onwards.

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