Media Sustainability Index 2001. The Development of Sustainable Independent Media in Europe and Eurasia

摘要

The Media Sustainability Index (MSI) 2002 analyzes and measures the current state of independent media systems in 20 countries throughout Europe and Eurasia. The MSI was designed in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in 2000 as a tool to measure media development, as well as to assess changes in media systems over time. Various organizations have periodically examined particular aspects of media systems, most notably the paramount indicator of a healthy media system: freedom of speech. The Committee to Protect Journalists, Freedom House, Reporters Sans Frontieres, the International Press Institute, and others have prepared widely used and respected surveys of free speech or violence against journalists. These are important reports, and many media donors and implementers rely on them in formulating their programs. But we felt a new tool was needed that included questions of free speech, as well as other important areas that shape a modern independent media. In all, there are five core areas: (1) the state of media legislation that allows for the development of independent media and free speech$ (2) the level of professional and ethical journalistic and editorial practices$ (3) the plurality and quality of media outlets$ (4) the business model that sustains independent media$ and (5) the support media outlets and journalists receive from trade and professional associations. The MSI is, therefore, a comprehensive examination of different attributes that, taken together, provide a unique and detailed picture of independent media in a given country or region.