Media Sustainability Index (MSI) - Europe and Eurasia

MSI Europe & Eurasia 2005

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INTRODUCTION

I am pleased to introduce the Media Sustainability Index (MSI) 2005. For the fifth consecutive year, the MSI provides in-depth analysis of the conditions for independent media in 20 countries across Europe and Eurasia. Since it was first conceived in 2000, in cooperation with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the MSI has evolved into an important benchmark study to assess how media structures change over time and across borders.

Policymakers, development specialists, and professionals in developing countries increasingly recognize media as a key element of the development agenda, not only in democracy and governance sectors but also in fields such as health, poverty reduction, economic development, youth, gender, and others. The MSI is designed to assist policymakers and implementers in these and other fields by analyzing the various elements of a media system and pointing to areas where assistance can be most effective in developing a sustainable and professional media system.

We are pleased that so many media professionals, aid experts, policymakers, and journalists have found the MSI to be a valuable resource over the past four years. We are particularly proud of the role of media professionals in each of the countries assessed. They provide the study with the inside knowledge and insight that outside evaluators often cannot fully capture. Their presence also serves notice to repressive governments that independent media have a continuing voice.

IREX would like to thank all those who contributed to the publication of the Media Sustainability Index 2005. Participants, moderators, and observers for each country, listed after each chapter, provided the primary observations and analysis for this project. At IREX, Michael Clarke, Theo Dolan, Drusilla Menaker, and Mark Whitehouse provided analytical or editorial support to the project. IREX field staff across the region provided either logistical support or participated in panels as members or moderators. Theo Dolan managed the overall implementation of the project.

At USAID, Peter Graves and numerous field-based staff have provided important assistance, ranging from comments on the content of the study to assistance with panels, serving in some cases as members or observers. All are essential supporters of independent media and advocates for the MSI as an analytical tool for development professionals.

We hope you will find this report useful, and we welcome any feedback.

Sincerely,

Mark G. Pomar
President, IREX

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