We contribute to diverse and plural societies by enhancing quality information and inclusive media narratives
Media in the broadest sense is one of the main frontlines where the cohesion and strength of democratic societies and processes is at stake. Internet control, misinformation campaigns and manipulation of digital communication constitute new threats to the traditional role of the media in providing citizens with truthful and objective information. Further challenges include accelerated technological changes in the field of communication, the multiplication of social networks, the rise of hate narratives or discrimination against groups and minorities, the reconversion of the business model of the written press and precariousness of the work of journalists, the multiplication of social networks, the growing polarisation, and the atomisation of audiences.
Emerging challenges coexist with old problems, such as censorship and control over information or lack of transparency by governments and institutions, especially in countries in the Maghreb and the Middle East, but also in Europe.
The programme “Media, Democracy and Diversity” stimulates the initiatives, which aim to increase awareness and knowledge of communication professionals about those threats, as well as to build skills and capacities of this and other groups impacted by therein, to be able to recognise, report and act against those challenges adequately. The programme does so by conducting empirical research, providing analysis of media narratives and discourses, as well as producing recommendations for reporting, advocacy and policy-making.
The programme also serves as a platform for dialogue and exchange of experiences and good practices between media practitioners and communities through peer-to-peer exchanges, capacity-enhancing activities, and local advocacy actions, as well as workshops and conferences.
All in all, the “Media, Democracy and Diversity” programme helps enhance quality information and inclusive media narratives, building an enabling environment for the free flow of information, as well as creating a critical, attentive and demanding civil society. Thereby, it promotes shared responsibility to continue to ensure informed and critical public opinion, the backbone of democratic, plural and diverse societies.