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Manual: Periodismo de investigación. Herramientas digitales para la vigilancia de las contrataciones

Wilber Huacasi Huamán

Lima: Fundación Gustavo Mohme Llona; USAID (2025), 78 pp.

"El objetivo del presente documento es brindar a los periodistas una herramienta práctica para ejercer vigilancia a los procesos de contrataciones públicas. El énfasis está en el trabajo con bases de datos, en tanto la información que se genera como producto de los actos de contratación en los ... more

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Manual: Periodismo de soluciones e integridad

Wilber Huacasi Huamán

Lima: Fundación Gustavo Mohme Llona; USAID (2025), 54 pp.

"El presente manual está dividido en tres bloques. Por un lado, los capítulos I, 2 y 3 contienen información teórica sobre el periodismo de soluciones (definición, características y pautas para la cobertura desde este enfoque). Para tal fin, se ha revisado la información producida principalme ... nte por la organización SJN y las exposiciones de los docentes miembros de dicha organización (Jonathan Gutiérrez, Javier Drovetto, Adriana González, Cristhian Barragán y Carolina Gil Posse), quienes participaron en el Curso de Actualización: Periodismo de Soluciones para la Cobertura de la Integridad, la Transparencia y la Vigilancia de las Contrataciones Públicas. Los capítulos también contienen insumos de publicaciones académicas sobre periodismo de soluciones de Estados Unidos y España. Los capítulos 4 y 5 abordan el tema de los Estándares de Integridad, una herramienta metodológica diseñada por el Proyecto de USAID de Inversión Pública Transparente para la aplicación de una vigilancia ciudadana más rigurosa de las contrataciones públicas en el Perú. Esta herramienta actualmente se utiliza en siete regiones del Perú (Loreto, San Martín, Piura, Lambayeque, Cajamarca, Cusco y Lima), en alianza con actores locales organizados en las redes de integridad. La mayor parte de la información consignada en este bloque ha sido obtenida de la Guía aplicativa para el desarrollo de procesos de veeduría, que elaboró el mencionado proyecto. Un sexto capítulo contiene el resumen y estudio de informes periodísticos publicados en el 2024, como una primera aproximación a la aplicación del periodismo de soluciones para la cobertura de temas vinculados a la integridad y la lucha contra la corrupción en el Perú. Estos informes fueron producidos por periodistas que participaron en el Curso de Actualización: Periodismo de Soluciones para la Cobertura de la Integridad, la Transparencia y la Vigilancia de las Contrataciones Públicas, y que además accedieron a un taller presencial en la Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, en Lima, y ahora forman parte de la Red de Periodismo de Soluciones para la Integridad. El proceso de cobertura contó con la asesoría de la Fundación Gustavo Mohme Llona. El presente manual representa una primera aproximación a la cobertura desde el periodismo de soluciones en el Perú, en temas vinculados con la integridad, la transparencia y la lucha contra la corrupción. El periodismo de soluciones representa una alternativa en el presente contexto de desapego de las audiencias a los contenidos periodísticos y políticos. También cobra relevancia en un escenario político regional de polarización y debilitamiento de la democracia. Por estas razones, consideramos que la presente publicación y la conformación de la Red de Periodismo de Soluciones para la Integridad pueden representar aportes importantes para el país. Por lo mismo, el acompañamiento para la sostenibilidad de esta forma de intervención desde el periodismo en el Perú es un reto que asumimos como organización." (Presentación, página 7) more

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Barriers to Press Freedoms in Central America: Literature Review Report

Manuel Alejandro Guerrero

USAID (2024), 40 pp.

"Literature on Central America’s media landscape over the last two decades documents significant obstacles to press freedom. Professional, independent journalism faces structural challenges rooted in the excessive concentration of political, economic, and social influence. From a political economy ... more

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USAID Digital Policy 2024-2034

USAID (2024), 46 pp.

"For nearly 50 years, USAID has been a leader in supporting digital transformation around the world. This Policy now sets the course for USAID to continue advancing development and humanitarian outcomes in an ever-accelerating digital age. The Agency will strive to improve our ability to meet the ne ... more

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Press freedom under threat: Learn three ways USAID is ensuring free and independent media

Shannon Maguire

Medium; USAID (2024), 8 pp.

[...] Based on decades of evolving research, testing, and learning, USAID has expanded its understanding of the multiple intersecting threats media practitioners face - legal, physical, economic, and digital - and how necessary it is to work from many sides to build and reinforce media sectors that ... are as resilient as possible against the forces that would seek to shut them down. A major demonstration of this approach comes through USAID's Summit for Democracy commitments, a series of initiatives to address these threats and advance free and independent media. The first one is the Media Viability Accelerator (MVA), which was announced at the first Summit for Democracy in December 2021. The goal of the MVA is to preserve fact-based news and information media by providing access to the data they need to build strategies to survive, thrive, adapt, and grow as businesses. Through a public-private partnership with USAID, Microsoft, and Internews, MVA is a unique data platform using artificial intelligence and other digital tools to enable media outlets to better understand markets, audiences, and strategies that will maximize their odds of profitability. Second, USAID's $20 million contribution to the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM) is helping to boost global support through grants to develop and sustain a wide range of independent news organizations. To date, IFPIM has committed nearly $9 million through 32 grants across 16 countries to media outlets in urgent need of financial assistance and to strengthen their long-term sustainability. USAID's initial seed funding has leveraged an additional $30 million from 15 governments, philanthropies, and corporate entities. The third initiative is Reporters Shield, an innovative program that helps protect investigative media outlets and civil society organizations from strategic litigation against public participation lawsuits, or other legal threats meant to silence their reporting. Prior to the launch of Reporters Shield, such help was inconsistent, ad hoc, reactive, and, often, expensive. USAID Administrator Samantha Power launched the next phase of USAID's Reporters Shield, at the United Nations Headquarters last World Press Freedom Day on May 3. Reporters Shield is now providing legal support services and capacity development for 12 media outlets and civil society organizations doing investigative reporting, with more than 100 applications still under review during the launch phase alone." (Pages 4-6) more

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AI in Global Development Playbook

USAID (2024), 46 pp.

"When used effectively and responsibly, artificial intelligence (AI) holds the potential to accelerate progress on sustainable development and close digital divides, but it also poses risks that could further impede progress toward these goals. With the right enabling environment and ecosystem of ac ... more

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Vibrant Information Barometer: National Report Nepal

Pokharel Umesh, Pandey Lekhanath, Acharya Bhanu Bhakta

IREX; Asia Foundation; USAID (2024), 97 pp.

"The USAID Civil Society and Media (CSM) Program launched the Vibrant Information Barometer (VIBE) study report, which rates Nepal’s information ecosystem as somewhat vibrant. Nepal scored 23 out of 40, which is an average from the score it received under four principles: information quality, chan ... nels, consumption and engagement, and transformative action. According to the report, Lumbini Province scored 24, indicating a slightly more dynamic information landscape than the national average, while Madhesh Province obtained 22, showing a moderately vibrant information environment. [...] The diverse and inclusive expert panel evaluated the vibrancy of Nepal’s media ecosystem based on 20 indicators with 167 sub-indicators. The study engaged over 30 expert panelists from the national level and two provinces, encompassing editors, media managers, civil society members, reporters, educators, and activists. The panelists were asked to assign scores to specific indicators within designated ranges: zero to 10 for indicators categorized as ‘Non-Vibrant’, 11 to 20 for ‘Slightly Vibrant’, 21 to 30 for ‘Somewhat Vibrant’, and 31 to 40 for ‘Highly Vibrant. The VIBE study was conducted by IREX as a part of USAID CSM Program implemented by The Asia Foundation in Nepal in partnership with Pact. The report highlights several key insights about Nepal's media landscape. Urban content producers benefit from advanced resources like studios and AI technology, while their rural counterparts struggle with limited access to essential tools like printing presses, according to Umesh Pokharel, VIBE Lead researcher and author. Similarly, media coverage in Nepal heavily focuses on politics, often at the expense of critical issues such as climate change, development, and marginalized communities, though investigative journalism remains crucial in holding officials accountable. The dominance of the Nepali language in media limits accessibility for diverse communities, but regional outlets in languages like Maithili and Bhojpuri are working to enhance inclusivity. Leadership within Nepal's media is predominantly from the Brahmin and Chhetri communities, resulting in underrepresentation of marginalized groups, although non-professional content producers contribute diverse perspectives. The report further highlights that financial challenges plague the media sector, affecting print, radio, TV, and online outlets, and leading to closures and job losses. Despite these issues, online platforms like YouTube and Facebook complement traditional media by providing diverse voices, although they face challenges related to content moderation and misinformation." (https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/nepal-s-performance-in-information-ecosystem-satisfactory-report) more

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Inclusive Digital Design Toolkit: Practical guidance for Feed the Future activities

Athena Infonomics

USAID (2024), 107 pp.

"This toolkit is designed as a practical guide to introduce you to digital inclusion, user readiness, inclusive programming, and examples of digital inclusion in action. Each Module combines informational content with mini cases to highlight elements of digital inclusion, peppered with activities to ... more

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Análisis del ecosistema de información sobre el manejo de la fauna silvestre en Orellana y Pastaza, en la Amazonía ecuatoriana

USAID; Internews; Consorcio de Comunicación por la Sostenibilidad (2024), 40 pp.

"1. La falta de información pública contribuye a los delitos ambientales contra la fauna silvestre. La escasez de información confiable y de calidad, conocida como desierto de noticias, deja a las comunidades más vulnerables expuestas a la propagación de noticias falsas y desinformación, y Ore ... llana y Pastaza no están exentas de este fenómeno. Este estudio identificó que la región sufre de una falta básica de información pública sobre la fauna silvestre de la región y las opciones para su manejo sostenible. Esta ausencia contribuye a que se cometan delitos ambientales. En las comunidades investigadas, se identificaron al menos dos tendencias de desinformación durante el período analizado. Del total de cuestionarios aplicados 45% afirmó haber recibido información falsa sobre la caza legal e ilegal; 32% recibió información falsa sobre especies en peligro en la región. 2. La televisión y la radio mantienen una alta audiencia, pero ofrecen poco contenido regional y sobre fauna silvestre. En Orellana y Pastaza, los medios tradicionales como la televisión y la radio siguen teniendo una alta audiencia. Según los datos, el 57,4% de los encuestados afirmaron ver la televisión con cierta frecuencia, mientras que el 45,3% escuchan la radio regularmente. Las emisoras más vistas por el público encuestado fueron: 13% Teleamazonas, con sede en Quito; 13% Pastaza Tv, con sede en Puyo. En cuanto a la radio, las emisoras más escuchadas fueron: 22% Radio Mia; 19% Radio Cumandá. Pese a la alta audiencia, los encuestados señalan que los medios tradicionales carecen de información sobre Orellana y Pastaza y sobre la fauna silvestre de la región, reproduciendo contenidos nacionales y abordando con poca profundidad temas locales, sin satisfacer las necesidades de las comunidades. 3. Orellana y Pastaza demandan información local y contextualizada sobre la Amazonía. La investigación identificó temas sobre los cuales las personas desean tener más información. Se resaltó la necesidad de temas locales sobre la Amazonía y su relación con la fauna silvestre, además de temáticas ambientales en general. Entre los temas que recibieron un mayor número de menciones se encuentran: 47,96% Noticias sobre la Amazonía, 15,72% Noticias sobre Temas Ambientales, 13,36% Noticias Generales Nacionales, 13,21% Noticias sobre Fauna Silvestre. 4. Las barreras económicas limitan el acceso a la información por internet en las comunidades indígenas. En las comunidades indígenas de Orellana y Pastaza las barreras para acceder a la información son principalmente de naturaleza económica. Según las entrevistas, no hay recursos para la instalación de infraestructura para la conexión a internet en las comunidades, y el acceso a las noticias por este medio solo ocurre cuando las personas viajan a la zona urbana, donde la conexión es mejor, o cuando se desplazan a infraestructuras petroleras, que disponen de acceso a internet. 82,19% de los residentes de la zona rural encuestados, afirmaron tener algún grado de dificultad para acceder a la conexión de internet. 5. La radiotransmisión y la comunicación presencial son los principales medios de información entre las comunidades rurales. Ante la falta de recursos para acceder a internet, las radios transmisoras existentes son las principales fuentes de intercambio de información entre las comunidades indígenas de la región. Para esto, ambas comunidades necesitan contar con dispositivos de radiotransmisión. Cuando la comunicación por radio no es posible, o si una de las comunidades no tiene un transmisor de radio, el contacto entre comunidades y el intercambio de noticias importantes se realiza de forma presencial. En este caso, se realizan viajes en bote o caminatas para transmitir la información." (Resumen ejecutivo, páginas 6-7) more

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Vibrant Information Barometer: Europe & Eurasia
Deep Insights

Washington, DC: IREX; USAID (2024), 357 pp.

"The 2024 Europe and Eurasia Vibrant Information Barometer (VIBE) covers 18 countries throughout Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia. With VIBE, IREX strives to capture a modern and evolving media space where people are simultaneously producers, transmitters, consumers, and actors in the information t ... more

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) Adoption by Journalists in Zambia: Survey Report

Teldah Mawarire, Meck Phiri (eds.)

USAID; FHI 360; Internews (2024), 12 pp.

"The survey report of 70 Zambian media professionals found that 60% of journalists use AI tools, with chatbots, image and video analysis, and automated content generation being the most utilized tools. Although AI tools might have improve efficiency, some respondents found the integration process to ... more

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Evaluation of the BMAP-Forward Activity

Sarah Eissler, Micheal Buehler, Brenda Pearson, Miodrag Bogdanovic, Anida Soko, Arben Qirezi

Washington, DC: USAID; Integra Government Services International (2024), 165 pp.

"Activity Description: The Balkan Media Assistance Program to Foster Organizational Readiness While Advancing Resilient Development (BMAP-FORWARD) is a $13 million regional Activity (2022-2028) that aims to strengthen the independence and resilience of media outlets in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo ... , Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Evaluation Purpose: USAID/Europe and Eurasia Bureau requested a mid-term performance evaluation of BMAP-FORWARD to understand which approaches, tools, and interventions are successfully contributing to planned outcomes according to the Activity’s three key objectives: 1) Increase strategic business practices of key media partners to operate as viable enterprises and better understand their markets and audiences; 2) Reinforce the ability of content producers to produce data-driven content, engage wider audiences, improve digital security efforts, and expand reach across the region; and 3) Foster stronger partnerships between media outlets and the technology, commercial, and entrepreneurial sectors to advance solutions on common challenges in the information space. Evaluation Design: Mixed methods and non-experimental evaluation design approaches, including Expert Consultations and Outcome Harvesting, were employed to collect and analyze primary and secondary data, including reviewing 140 documents, conducting 51 key informant interviews with experts, 47 in-depth interviews with recipients of assistance, an online Expert Survey (n=63), and conducting 13 interviews and an online validation survey (n=48) to substantiate outcome stories. All data were triangulated to inform the evidence base to develop each finding and conclusion. Key Findings: BMAP-FORWARD’s tailored and localized approach is a key strength of its ability to provide effective, useful, and timely assistance, which has strengthened Key Media Partners’ (KMPs’) shift towards strategic planning, ability to pursue diversified revenue sources, improve content production and technology use to engage wider audiences, produce data-driven content using new software, and engage in cross-border collaborations. BMAP-FORWARD assistance has strengthened KMPs’ digital security practices and protocols, although with room for improvement to sustain this support. While BMAPFORWARD has made inroads to foster partnerships between media and non-traditional actors, key factors inhibit progress towards this Activity Objective (Objective 3). Key Recommendations: BMAP-FORWARD should: 1) continue to employ the highly tailored approach to learn KMPs’ needs, co-create solutions and action plans, identify resources to implement solutions, and present new ideas; 2) consider providing more opportunities for intentional engagement for peer-to-peer learning for newsroom staff from different outlets, including non-KMPs and different media across the region; 3) consider investing in strengthening in-house expertise capacity or identify long-term solutions for each KMP to navigate the evolving digital security challenges; and 4) consider designing and marketing sessions at forums geared towards facilitating potential partnerships between private sector actors and KMPs, which can be followed by ongoing assistance to support KMPs in navigating how to structure partnerships." (Abstract) more

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Social media and mis/disinformation in electoral context in the DRC

Pierre N'sana, Patient Ligodi, Pierre Bahati Ndamwenge et al.

USAID; FHI 360; Internews (2024), 57 pp.

"This paper aimed to address some of the gaps in knowledge about the nature of mis/disinformation and hate speech in WhatsApp groups, as well as the mechanisms through which those messages are identified, perceived, and relayed by users. Through quantitative and qualitative study of activities in 15 ... more

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Media Landscape Assessment: West Bank & Gaza

Jalaa A., Taghreed ElKhodary, Hazm Al-Mazouni, Charif S.

Internews; USAID (2024), 60 pp.

"The West Bank and Gaza have the least developed media legislation framework in the Southern Mediterranean region. Media is governed by the Press and Publications Law of 1995 and the Palestinian Basic Law, which guarantee freedom of expression. However, in practice, the caveats included in the Pales ... tinian Basic Law weaken the protection of freedom of expression. Journalists’ sources protection is guaranteed. However, in practice this is not always respected. Broadcasting lacks independent regulation, with governing bodies of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and the de-facto authority in Gaza granting licenses in their respective areas of control. There are currently no laws in force on the right to information access. A 2005 draft law intending to address this gap was put on hold following the political division that occurred in 2007. A 2023 revision of this law raised transparency concerns, prompting the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate to reject it. Lastly, the 2017 Cybercrime Law – introduced without proper consultation with civic actors and other stakeholders – faced backlash for threatening freedom of expression and press, prompting amendments in 2018. While the amendment did address some of the concerns raised by the civil society, most notably by removing the articles that directly violated freedom of expression, it failed to address other serious concerns. These include the provisions under article no 39 which allows the blocking of websites within 24 hours, as well as article 4 that threatens to criminalize users who attempt to access blocked websites. [...] In terms of traditional media, television (TV) is still the most preferred and consumed information source among survey respondents, with over 50% watching TV every day or almost every day. The three most watched TV channels among survey respondents are the Qatar-owned Al-Jazeera, The PA-run Palestine TV, and the private Maan TV, respectively. Although no primary data were collected in Gaza, desk research and insights provided by interviewed media outlets and organizations that operate across both the West Bank and Gaza, indicate that radio has become the most popular source of traditional media information in Gaza, post-October 7th. This is reportedly due to electricity cuts and internet blackouts. Some of the interviewed outlets and organizations in the West Bank claimed that Al-Jazeera has been proactively promoting its radio station/Audio Hub to meet the information needs of Gazans who are unable to watch TV. Telegram channels and groups are the most popular primary source of both local and national news among survey respondents in the West Bank. Telegram is known for having more lenient content moderation policies compared to other, bigger social media platforms (e.g., Meta, X, etc.) which have been accused of censoring Palestinian content, repeatedly and systematically. Among the most popular Telegram groups and channels followed by survey respondents are Al-Jazeera, Quds News Network (allegedly Hamas-a liated), and the independent Dooz digital media outlet. This finding is unsurprising yet worrying. Telegram is rife with mis- and disinformation, most of which go undetected and/or unchallenged. To ensure tailored programming that meets the information needs of citizens in the West Bank, media outlets and independent journalists should be equipped and trained to operate Telegram channels that provide impartial and accurate information to local citizens." (Introduction, pages 2-4) more

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Farmer-Centric Data Governance: Towards a New Paradigm

Jonathan van Geuns, Annie Kilroy, Shruti Viswanathan, Rob Baker, Aishwarya Mallavaram

Development Gateway; USAID; Gates Foundation; Athena Infonomics (2024), 63 pp.

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Central Asia Media Program: Final Report

Dmitri Surnin, Dylan Gray

USAID; Internews (2024), 158 pp.

"MediaCAMP built media capacity to provide balanced, informed and unbiased reporting by addressing several aspects important not just to media organizations but individuals in the media field, the wider media environment, and the content and social issues media addresses in all three countries. The ... more

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) Adoption by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Zambia. A Survey Report

Internews; FHI 360; USAID (2024), 16 pp.

"The findings reveal that 44% of CSOs are currently utilizing AI tools, with generative AI being the most popular, while 96% of non-users are considering future integration. However, 54% have not yet adopted AI. Perceptions of AI’s impact on job security vary, with 48% seeing no threat, 13% percei ... more

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Tunisia Media Landscape Assessment

USAID; Internews (2024), 74 pp.

"In 2023, Tunisia’s media landscape faced significant challenges, prominently shaped by the implementation of decree-law No. 54 of 2022. Ostensibly aimed at curbing hate speech and disinformation, and characterised by its ambiguous and broad terms, has had a profound impact on freedom of expressio ... n in the country. It has instilled a pervasive atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among journalists, activists, and citizens. The ramifications are multifaceted, leading to increased self-censorship, strategic adaptations by media outlets, and a notable rise in state surveillance. Emblematic cases, such as the arrest of a prominent radio director, reflect a broader trend of governmental efforts to restrict press freedom and control public discourse. These developments have not only curtailed the freedom of the press but also contributed to a disturbing shift in public opinion towards more authoritarian views on liberties and individual freedoms. The situation highlights the precarious and deteriorating state of media freedom in Tunisia, where government actions have significantly stifled dissent and critical journalism. A new context for political participation Since the political upheaval of July 25th, 2021, Tunisia’s political landscape has undergone significant transformations, affecting how citizens engage in politics. The adoption of the 2022 constitution and changes in institutional frameworks have altered the nature and significance of conventional political participation methods, including elections, protests, and other forms of engagement. The credibility of the political process and its viability for political representation have been questioned, especially by the opposition. New electoral laws have reshaped the electoral landscape, favoring locally influential individuals over political parties. This has led to a strategic self-exclusion from elections by most opposition parties, who view participation under current conditions as legitimizing a repressive and undemocratic system. Low voter turnout in recent elections reflects public disengagement, raising questions about the effectiveness of the electoral system without opposition participation. Increasing abstentionism, characterized by low voter turnout and disengagement from party politics, is not solely due to a lack of awareness but also reflects a deeper disillusionment with the political class. Fostering political participation in Tunisia is challenging due to speech restrictions and the risk of persecution under laws against misinformation. International aid must be cautious, balancing support for media development with the safety of those involved. Programs must foster dialogue and trust, navigating the delicate situation where promoting open political expression can lead to legal jeopardy. Understanding these dynamics is key for aiding Tunisia's political engagement and media landscape." (Summary of key findings, page 6) more

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Freedom of expression and media consumption research in Armenia

Shushan Ghahriyan, Gayane Harutyunyan, Liana Poghosyan

Yerevan: Prisma; Internews; USAID (2024), 60 pp.

"The research reveals that traditional television channels and online news websites continue to be the most popular sources of general media consumption, with 80 percent and 73 percent of respondents using them, respectively. Despite minor variations, media consumption habits have remained stable be ... more

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Media Market Analysis: Armenia

Internews; Zinc Network; USAID (2024), 42 pp.

"●The Armenian media market is defined by diversity, polarization and the struggle between financial stability and editorial independence. ● Greater understanding of Armenian media audiences and where they can be reached will strengthen independent media’s ability to achieve impact. The tran ... sition to digital media has further fragmented the audience, primarily cleaving it into a younger, digital-focused audience and an older audience still largely dependent on TV. Facebook is far and away the dominant platform for media and news engagement. YouTube, Instagram and particularly Telegram are growing in popularity as key platforms. Print media consumption has declined significantly, while the extensive network of regional media and the fragmented diaspora media ecosystem struggle to capitalize on their theoretical audience potential. ● Identifying effective financial sustainability models must be prioritized if outlets are to operate more strategically and maintain their editorial independence. Independent media outlets struggle to establish longer-term viability as they are at the mercy of project-based donor funding, a volatile and fickle advertising market and politically aligned private backers. Consequently, the most accessible outes to financial sustainability often clash with the core goals and ethos of independent media as they require sacrificing a degree of editorial independence. This can take the form of either compliance with a political bias or the thematic priorities of international donors, which may or may not align with the thematic priorities of Armenian audiences. The general absence of core institutional support from these donors leaves these outlets vulnerable, as their financial stability is often tied to the success of individual initiatives rather than long-term structural backing. According to those interviewed, advertisers are increasingly looking to work directly with media platforms and individuals, entertainment-focused influencers, while tightened regulation around gambling advertisement has negatively impacted the revenue of a broad spectrum of media outlets (these companies were frequent advertisers on news sites). Additionally, Armenian media consumers are largely unwilling to spend money on media content without clear added value, and even with added value the ceiling for contributions appears to be low. ● Developing an understanding of how to build trust with audiences, avoid or be resilient to politicization, and facilitating positive attitudes toward media freedom will be essential for the health of both individual outlets and the media ecosystem. Polarization, declining levels of trust, and increasing doubts over press freedom are concerning trends across the entirety of the Armenian information ecosystem. Foreign and domestic disinformation compound an existing crisis of trust in the media among Armenian audiences, who perceive a near-total lack of objective information and reporting. Reliance on person-to-person networks for information sharing exacerbates echo chambers within Armenian society and prioritizes personal trust in a way that poses a challenge for independent media. The Armenian media ecosystem reflects the intense political polarization that exists in society at large, while independent outlets also regularly fall victim to often undue public criticism by aggrieved political actors. As a result, audience perceptions of media freedom in Armenia appear to be becoming more negative than the relatively positive picture presented by international indices." (Executive summary, pages 3-4) more

Vibrant Information Barometer: Europe & Eurasia Deep Insights

Vibrant Information Barometer: Europe & Eurasia
Deep Insights