Media Sustainability Index (MSI) - Europe and Eurasia

MSI Europe & Eurasia 2006/07

INTRODUCTION

I am pleased to introduce the Media Sustainability Index (MSI) 2006/07. For the sixth 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 and launched in 2001, 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.

Of equal and perhaps greater importance, the MSI should be seen as an important tool for the media and media advocates themselves in each country and region. The MSI reflects the expert opinions of media professionals through its approach of convening panels of media professionals in each country that use a standardized methodology. The results of the MSI can inform the media community, civil society, and governments of the strengths and weaknesses of the sector. We encourage them to use the opportunity the MSI presents to continue their own vital efforts at developing independent and sustainable media. In some countries, their presence also serves notice to repressive governments that independent media has a continuing voice.

IREX would like to thank all those who contributed to the publication of the Media Sustainability Index 2006/07. Participants, moderators, and observers for each country, listed after each chapter, provided the primary observations and analysis for this project. At IREX, Blake Saville, Drusilla Menaker, Leon Morse, Mark Whitehouse, Michael Clarke, and Theo Dolan provided analytical or editorial support to the project. IREX field staff across the region provided important support. USAID has been a consistent supporter of the project, helping to develop the project and supporting its ongoing implementation. 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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