Global agenda

Our rapid response mechanism helps journalists operate safely while producing reliable, conflict-sensitive information for the public which can be of vital importance during conflict, natural disasters or other challenging situations. Some initiatives are of a preventive nature while others seek to assist media affected by sudden changes (positive or negative) where they work. This could be a closing space for press freedom, unexpected political tensions, the end of a repressive regime or a peace agreement promising change. The rapid response mechanism was also actively engaged in addressing the Covid-19 pandemic, including through factchecking websites and creative information campaigns on social media and community radio stations.

The mechanism is global and flexible. Interventions are context-specific, targeted and limited in scope as well as duration. Our focus is to address the immediate needs of media actors working for positive change in a difficult situation.

Recent interventions include Ukraine, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Mozambique.

We are convinced that media cannot be professional unless both men and women and people from disadvantaged groups participate and are represented in media production and that media content is free from stereotypical and degrading content. Our vision is that everyone, irrespective of a person’s gender, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, disability or socio-economic status, can enjoy his/her right to freedom of expression and participate in the public debate.

IMS works throughout its programmes on improving the working conditions of women journalists through research, harassment and discrimination policies for media houses and capacity building of syndicates and unions, strengthening women in the media through women journalists’ associations, mentorship and training programmes, safety of women media workers and gender equality in media content through ethical guidelines, editorial guidelines, self-regulatory mechanism, training in gender sensitive journalism and media monitoring etc.

Around the world political, technological and economic changes place new strains on media freedom. As a result, there is a need to find ways to reform media policy and to regulate the media sector.

If media are to fulfill its democratic potential, an updated regulatory framework needs to be in place to adapt to the current media landscape. IMS are part of an international training programme on media self-regulation that targets individuals and organisations who can promote standards and self-regulation of the media sector in their respective countries, and who are aiming at actual change towards a more efficient and sustainable planning and implementation of self-regulation of the media.