Media support: aid funding does not match donor rhetoric
Laure-Hélène Piron (TPP Director) presented her analysis of official development assistance to media and the information environment to the Governance Network of the OECD Development Assistance Committee on 6 March 2024.
The draft report can be read here. It shows that the rhetoric of governments which support freedom of expression and condemn disinformation is not matched by sufficient resources. ODA for media and the information environment has increased since 2002, reaching USD 1.2 billion in 2021, but this only represented 0.5% of total ODA in that year. When infrastructure support is excluded, ODA for media fluctuated around USD 500 million a year since 2008 (representing 0.24% of total ODA in 2021). This is despite the growth of threats facing media, such as the rise of censorship and the dominance of technology platforms.
And not enough aid directly reaches local organisations. Only up to 8% of ODA for media and the information environment (so 8% of the 0.5% of total ODA) is directly channelled to media organisations in partner countries, such as journalists, media outlets or civil society organisations working with media or on access to information.
Why ideas matter for action on climate and environment. New blog from TPP Principal Niki Palmer
This blog from TPP Principal Niki Palmer considers the importance of ideas of nature for action on climate and environment. Unlike interests, ideas are not always fully considered in political economy analysis. Yet ideas help to define action in relation to the natural world, including through global negotiations at the COPs. This blog challenges us to consider ideas more closely, suggesting that through doing so more innovative pathways forward can be found that work with and for nature, not against it.
New Working Paper from Olly Owen and Sa'eed Husaini
Nigeria’s forest policy is at a turning point, with a growing domestic push for conservation amidst environmental degradation. This working paper by TPP Principal Olly Owen and Associate Sa'eed Husaini explores key trends, challenges, and opportunities in the sector, offering insights into how innovative, multi-level solutions can shape sustainable futures.
Latest Newsletter from TPP
We're pleased to share with you our latest newsletter. Read here to find out more about the projects we have been working on at TPP, and exciting news about the launch of our next Political Economy Analysis in Action and Political Economy Analysis for Climate Action online training courses starting spring 2025.
This issue celebrates the appointment of TPPs Associate Dr Suwaiba Ahmad as Nigeria’s Federal Minister of State Education, as well as sharing our new paper we have jointly published with the Thinking and Working Politically Community of Practice - Political Economy Analysis in Sudan.