Newly launched UNESCO briefs further global conversations on information as a public good

Written by Joseph Stiglitz, Anya Schiffrin, and Dylan Groves,  “Journalism for Development” was launched on 17 April at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Nobel laureate economist Stiglitz presented the brief, delving into its findings and implications alongside UNESCO programme specialist Kristjan Burgess and Arturo Herrera Gutierrez, Global Director for Governance Global Practice in the Equitable Growth, Finance, and Institutions Practice Group (EFI) Vice Presidency, Governance at the World Bank.

The brief clearly lays out the case for journalism’s integral role in building democratic societies, fostering economic development and ensuring public accountability. It presents trends and case studies in recent academic research highlighting the impact of a free, independent and pluralistic press on electoral accountability, voting patterns, anti-corruption efforts and governance.

Offering recommendations aligned with the principles of the Windhoek and Windhoek+30 declarations, the brief advocates for creating an environment conductive to professional journalism, supporting media viability through public means and safeguarding media diversity while preventing media capture.

Echoing Stiglitz’s sentiments, Gutierrez reflected on the evolving notion of “development”, stressing its broader connotations encompassing equality, transparency, human rights and access to information, and more.

The brief was also presented and discussed at the International Journalism Festival held in Perugia, Italy, alongside another UNESCO brief, “Data sharing to foster information as a public good.” Authors Anya Schiffrin and Guy Berger led discussions on media’s role in democracy and development. They examined how digital policies, including data sharing and transparency, can support journalism for the public interest.

“With UNESCO publishing these insights, there is certain impact,” remarked Schiffrin, emphasizing the extensive evidence supporting independent journalism’s vital role in the information landscape. 

Participants in Perugia discussed the second brief, assessing prospects for cooperation between big tech companies, media outlets and civil society. “This publication advocates for sharing data to strengthen the safety of media workers online and the economic viability of news enterprises. These are key to journalism's place in the information ecosystem,” said Berger.

Contextualising the discussion was UNESCO’s recent Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms, advocating for regulatory measures to ensure data access at internet companies. 

Both briefs and the discussions around them contribute to UNESCO’s ongoing work to support information as a public good. They underscore the need for collective  action to preserve the viability and accessibility of high quality journalism, indispensable for accountable governance and societal progress.

UNESCO encourages greater transparency and improved governance of digital platforms, alongside sustained public support for media independence. One panelist in Washington, DC, also signalled the value of bolstering media and information literacy programmes to empower future media consumers.

Funding for this work was provided by UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) and the Multi-Donor Programme for Freedom of Expression and the Safety of Journalists. Read more from the World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development here, and find additional resources on media viability here.