Developing Independent Media as An
Institution of Accountable Governance : A How-To Guide

The World Bank's Communication for
Governance and Accountability Program (CommGAP) has spent
several years exploring the linkages between the media and
governance reform. The first stage of this process produced
public sentinel: news media and governance reform, an edited
volume that explored key issues surrounding the role of the
media in democratic governance and the policy interventions
that might enable this role. This how-to guide represents
the second stage of that process: turning theoretical and
policy conclusions into a practical guide for those seeking
to enhance good governance by empowering the media. An early
needs assessment revealed limited understanding of media
development and the role it can play in foster accountable
governance. This toolkit accordingly provides the why, how,
when, and what of supporting the development of independent,
pluralistic and sustainable media.