Accountability and participation
Independent public interest media and trusted communication are at the core of development and essential to democratic societies, including free and fair elections.
It’s harder than ever for people to know where to turn for reliable, balanced information. Trusted media are essential in helping people to understand and address problems in their daily lives, to support effective, inclusive governance, and to hold those in positions of power to account.
Our work in radio, television, digital and other communication content ensures people have better access to accurate, credible and balanced information. Our work helps people understand their rights, and the responsibilities of those in power, and creates space for inclusive public discussion on issues of importance to people’s lives. And we enable people to meet and speak directly with their decision-makers, to make them answerable for their actions. We help support fair elections, challenge mis- and disinformation, and help people live together more peacefully.
Addressing conflict and building tolerance
We use mass media, digital and community outreach to help prevent and resolve conflict and build more peaceful societies. Our work provides trusted information, convenes inclusive discussion, helps dispel mis/disinformation, and uses stories and ideas to bridge divides, build tolerance and empathy, reduce the acceptance of violence and encourage a more peaceful negotiation of differences.
Our diverse programmes span the globe: from South Sudan and Libya to Afghanistan to Myanmar, and many places in between, our creative communications and support for media are contributing to fairer, more peaceful and more inclusive societies.
Reaching everyone
Drawing upon our audience insights and research, we develop new and creative ways to reach groups traditionally less engaged in politics – including women and young people, who are a particular focus.
And we believe in diversity and inclusion, ensuring women, people with disabilities, and those marginalised by race, ethnicity, class or caste are represented as presenters, experts and contributors in our programmes, to create more diverse content and ensure our governance programmes are relevant to everyone.
Accountability and participation
Read blogs on governance
Local radio's impact on young Zambians’ participation in civic life
Our long-term work with radio stations has helped improve local accountability for the community, specifically young people - read our evaluation
Everyday corruption: Understanding public perceptions and challenges
By gathering insights from both the general public and public officials, the research offers a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in fostering a culture of transparency and accountability in Zambia.
Police reform: how media is addressing security reform in Nigeria
Amid the End SARS protests and political unrest in many states in Nigeria, our creative team in Abuja worked to facilitate dialogue and accountability between Nigerians and their police force.
Mi-VotE: Improving participation in the 2019 Nigerian Elections
Dubbed ‘Mi-VotE’, our communication project aimed to improve inclusion and participation in the election cycle by using a variety of media to reach Nigerians across the country – particularly those who are often marginalised.
