Sustainable Community Media Policy

UNESCO works with duty-bearers and relevant stakeholders to ensure the viability of community media around the world. As part of the Community Media Sustainability Policy Briefs, the Organization is encouraging the following recommendations to reach this goal:

1. Formal Recognition

National legislation recognizing community media as a separate and complementary sector allows them to benefit from the same rights as public and private media, while protecting journalists and promoting diversity.

2. Licensing Systems and Reserving Frequencies

The introduction of fair licensing systems and independent regulatory bodies to allow equal access to frequency spectrums helps make new and exisitng community media more sustainable.

3. Funding

The application of efficient and proven funding mechanisms can provide reliable financial support for community broadcasters.

4. Digital Transformation

When their audience is ready, a digital transition can keep community stations relevant.

Community media can also benefit from capacity building to improve the quality and relevance of their coverage. UNESCO's recent "Empowering Local Radio with ICTs" project serves an example as to how local radio can empower its listeners and incite positive action around the local issues most important to them. To find out more about this initiative, click here.