Independent media

Not to be confused with Alternative press (disambiguation).
For other uses, see Independent media (disambiguation).

Independent media refers to any media, such as television, newspapers, or Internet-based publications, that is free of influence by government or corporate interests. The term has varied applications.

Independence stands as a cornerstone principle within media policy and the freedom of the press, representing an "essentially contested concept". The concept is often used to denote, declare, or claim independence from state-control, market forces, or conventions, and media organisations and individuals assert their legitimacy and credibility through it.[1]

In various discussions, such as those regarding the role of media within authoritarian societies or the relevance of European public service broadcasters or the "alternative press", the concept of independence is interpreted diversely.[1] In international development, the term independent media is used for the development of new media outlets, particularly in areas where there is little to no existing media presence.

Additionally, digital transformations tend to compromise the press as a common good (with a blurring of the difference between journalism and advertising) by the technological, political and social dynamics that it brings.[2] For this reason other norms, such as transparency and participation, may be considered to be more relevant.[3][4]

Research has found that independent media plays an important role in improving government accountability and reducing corruption.[5][6][7][8][9][10]

  1. ^ a b Karppinen, Kari; Moe, Hallvard (2016-04-02). "What We Talk About When Talk About "Media Independence"". Javnost - the Public. 23 (2): 105–119. doi:10.1080/13183222.2016.1162986. hdl:1956/12265. ISSN 1318-3222.
  2. ^ Couldry, Nick (2009). "Does 'the Media' Have a Future?". European Journal of Communication. 24 (4): 437–449. doi:10.1177/0267323109345604. ISSN 0267-3231.
  3. ^ Hallin, Daniel C. 2006. “The Passing of the ‘High Modernism’ of American Journalism Revisited.” Political Communication Report 16 (1).
  4. ^ McBride, Kelly, and Tom Rosenstiel. 2013. “Introduction: New Guiding Principles for a New Era of Journalism.” In The New Ethics of Journalism. Principles for the 21st Century, edited by KellyMcBride and Tom Rosenstiel, 1–6. London: Sage
  5. ^ Eigen, Peter (2002). "Measuring and combating corruption". The Journal of Policy Reform. 5 (4): 187–201. doi:10.1080/1384128032000096805. S2CID 153853397.
  6. ^ Mungiu-Pippidi, Alina (2013). "Controlling Corruption Through Collective Action". Journal of Democracy. 24 (1): 101–115. doi:10.1353/jod.2013.0020. hdl:11385/233979. S2CID 154700129.
  7. ^ Camaj, Lindita (2013). "The Media's Role in Fighting Corruption: Media Effects on Governmental Accountability". The International Journal of Press/Politics. 18 (1): 21–42. doi:10.1177/1940161212462741. S2CID 147275987.
  8. ^ Deane, James (2016). "The role of independent media in curbing corruption in fragile settings" (PDF). BBC Media Action. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
  9. ^ Bhattacharyya, Sambit; Hodler, Roland (2015). "Media freedom and democracy in the fight against corruption" (PDF). European Journal of Political Economy. 39: 13–24. doi:10.1016/j.ejpoleco.2015.03.004. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2022-02-27. Retrieved 2021-05-19.
  10. ^ Lindstedt, Catharina; Naurin, Daniel (2010). "Transparency is not Enough: Making Transparency Effective in Reducing Corruption". International Political Science Review. 31 (3): 301–322. doi:10.1177/0192512110377602. S2CID 154948461.