Ahead of the GFMD IMPACT learning meeting at the Global Conference on Media Freedom in Estonia on 9 February we put together a literature review to help guide and frame the discussion. Scroll down to see our selection of some of the most relevant recent resources.

Sustainability: Going Beyond the Buzzword
MEDAS 21, FOME - MICHAEL LEROY (Nov. 2021)
The latest publication from the "Research Reviews for Media Development Practitioners" series had three main findings: 


1️⃣ There is no widely accepted definition of sustainability but the OECD proposed a criterion that has since been used as a benchmark: "the extent to which the net benefits of the intervention continue, or are likely to continue". 
2️⃣ Overquoted but still often neglected, sustainability is more of a process than an externally driven goal to be achieved. 
3️⃣ The role of donors and their coordination play a key role, especially since not all of them have a formal policy on media sustainability, and there are even fewer cases with a concerted strategy. This is concerning because over the past three decades studies have shown that scattered, unrelated interventions have no effect or are even counterproductive.

Supporting independent media through coalition building- the ultimate stress test
PRIMED Consortium - MICHAEL RANDALL (Jan. 2022)
This article summarising the ‘Coalitions for Change’ workshop organised by the PRIMED Consortium looks at the experiences of local stakeholders who have been involved in long-running advocacy initiatives. The workshop found that coalition-building is open to more participation from international organisations and offered "insight into the potential for balanced partnerships between international and local actors to bring about systemic change.”

Internationally too, journalists and others are debating government subsidies and how to deal with Big Tech
Poynter - ANYA SCHIFFRIN (Jan. 2022)
“The quest for big systemic solutions continues. Journalists and media development experts are making the case that quality information is needed to reduce corruption and fight autocracy, and therefore needs substantial investment in order to grow.” 

Strengthening media ecosystems
Media Development Investment Fund - TERESA PIPER - (Dec. 2021)
MDIF has identified programme implementation themes that have worked in strengthening media ecosystems in countries where there are widespread threats to journalism and media, and a decline of press freedom: 1) tailored support for diverse media, 2) long-term commitment, communication and flexibility, 3) a more radical approach when media is missing, and firm foundations.

Let's talk about what sustainability really means
Nieman Lab - CATALINA ALBEANU (Dec. 2021)
“Sustainability is a kind of attention that’s only accessible when newsroom staff have time to think and explore, and to be closer to our communities, without feeling like this is time stolen from other deliverables.”