Thread by @rasmus_kleis

Do we need a "New Deal" for journalism? @Forum_InfoD and its chair @cdeloire from @RSF_inter say we do and new report from the Forum looks at policy options - I was honored to chair working group providing input to the report.

Report: informationdemocracy.org/wp-content/upl…

Highlights in🧵1/19

In my foreword, I write "if governments want to do more than talk about the value of journalism, and actually help [those] who are leading on forging new ways forward for the profession and the industry, they will need to step up and take real action" 2/19 rasmuskleisnielsen.net/2021/06/16/les…

Whether this is a priority is for the public and its elected officials to decide. As we consider this, I'd highlight (a) there are policies that have proof of concept but (b) at best, most governments have done little or nothing.

Inaction is a decision as much as action is.
3/19

In the working group, we suggested principles for how to approach the issue, including focusing on 1) the future 2) policies backed by evidence 3) that might command broad support, and 4) avoid abetting democratic recession or corporate consolidation rasmuskleisnielsen.net/2020/12/18/cal… 4/19

I think report identifies several that the public and elected officials could consider if they want to support independent professional journalism (even as it also warns against state interventions in contexts where what may be presented as "help" are means of media capture) 5/19

The most important ones I think are these four -

FIRST, supporting private sector news media indirectly and/or directly, tied to investment in professional journalism and structured to prioritize local media and media serving minorities, and supporting innovation (as in 🇩🇰) 6/19

SECOND, supporting public service media w/a clear remit and ability to serve public across all media (not just broadcasting), strong insulation from political pressure to ensure editorial independence from government, sufficient funding to deliver on their mission (as in 🇬🇧) 7/19

THIRD, supporting non-profit news media by easing the creation of news non-profits, and creating incentives for both individuals and foundations to support non-profit news media (a rare example where 🇺🇸 has more developed media policy environment than many other countries) 8/19

FOURTH, supporting independent news media globally by committing at least some Official Development Assistance to journalism in other countries (as a few already do, for example 🇩🇪), whether done bilaterally or through joint vehicles like #IFPIM 9/19

None of these policies are silver bullets or perfect, and countries will differ on what the public is willing to support. But on balance, the evidence suggests all these make a difference for the better, as long as they are deployed within a framework of fundamental rights. 10/19

All come with proof of concept, can be structured to avoid simply privileging incumbents or lining the pockets of proprietors, and avoid the uncertainty of betting on opaque arrangements that can entrench dominant players and risk primarily benefiting a few large publishers 11/19

A few countries have some of these policies in place, many countries a few. But no country has done all it can to create enabling environment for journalism. (I welcome blue sky ideas, but important to also judge governments on whether they are using available policy tools) 12/19

There are many other ideas in the report that I hope can inspire public conversation, policy making, and help those campaigning to create a more enabling environment for journalism (also some ideas I have personal reservations about!). Read it here: informationdemocracy.org/wp-content/upl… 13/19

Moving forward, let's remember 1) risks that can come w/policy (e.g propping up incumbents, vaste of $, increased political leverage), 2) some industry leaders concerned poorly designed policies do more harm than good digitalnewsreport.org/publications/2… 3) need for broad public support 14/19

Will it happen? Think we still need to "confront the fact that most politicians[globally] regard independent journalism at best with benign indifference, more often with rank hypocrisy, and very often with open hostility." Judge actions, not speeches thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/… 17/19

What I hope is clear reading report is-

1) Independent journalism face challenges around sustainability (and freedom!)
2) Policymakers can help create a more enabling environment, but it requires a commitment of resources
3) Whether we do this is a choice, not a conundrum 18/19

Thanks to @Forum_InfoD for asking me to help with their report, to @sdp and team of rapporteurs, to outstanding working group (firmly focused on the future, unsentimental about the past, uninterested in incumbency protection and rent seeking) and to everyone who contributed 19/19