A central plank of 大象传媒 Media Action’s external engagement in recent years has been to clarify and inform policy and research on the role of media in fragile states. A series of policy briefings has highlighted the crucial role that media plays in fragile states across such diverse settings as Kenya, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The general findings from these analyses have been disseminated at high level events and private briefings with donors and other development actors in the UK, the United States and Europe.
Our research in Libya and Tunisia has further highlighted how audiences in these countries relate to their media, and in Kenya and Nigeria, our research has looked at the relationship between media, discussion and attitudes in fragile settings. More recently, one focus of our work in this area is on the role and potential of public service broadcasting in reducing fragility, increasing social cohesion and underpinning democratic political settlements in 21st century fragile states.
Through a series of written reports, events and collaborations in- country, we have drawn repeatedly on the case of Afghanistan to illustrate why and how donors might support state owned broadcasters transition to public service broadcasters in divided societies. We have also sought to understand the role of media and communication in relation to violent extremism and have supported examination of the evidence base around such issues.
