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25 years, 25 stories of media for good

“Big-hearted, brilliant and creative†– we're celebrating a quarter of a century changing lives!

WATCH: Sanjib has worked for Â鶹Éç Media Action for 18 years, starting out as a young journalist in Bangladesh, and now as a global research manager. For our 25th anniversary, he shares our story through his journey...

Early years

  • Leaping into action for leprosy - 1999

    Read reflections about our first-ever project in India from Mike Wooldridge, Â鶹Éç correspondent and longstanding Â鶹Éç Media Action trustee and supporter.
  • An Archers for Afghanistan

    From Ambridge to Afghanistan? It may seem a stretch, but radio drama 'New Home, New Life' attracted millions of listeners - and after 18 years became fully independent. We take a look back.
  • When Â鶹Éç World Service Trust (as we were then known) celebrated 10 years, we shared 10 transformative tales of lives changed by media - including a refugee, a schoolgirl, a farmer and more.
  • The story of Story Story, Nigeria

    In 2003, we created a radio drama reflecting the lives of ordinary Nigerians, and tackling the issues impacting their lives. Queen Elizabeth II even visited the set on a state visit! At its peak, over 17 million people tuned in regularly - read more about its first years.

Reaching millions, changing lives

  • "Ebola stops with me"

    During the 2014/5 Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone, Â鶹Éç Media Action supported staff at community-based radio stations to improve communication about the disease. Eastina Massaquoi explains how we used radio to help stop misinformation about the outbreak.
  • Building back better in Nepal

    A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal on 25 April 2015 – devastating the homes and lives of 1.8 million people. Within hours we were broadcasting lifesaving information to people in immediate need. Our programme Milijuli Nepali (Together Nepal) continues today, helping the country rebuild and prepare for future hazards..
  • Condom, Condom

    A know-it-all parrot, a kabaddi king, a condom ringtone and a puppy named Condom became household names in India - all part of a creative mass media initiative to help reduce levels of HIV infection by making condoms more acceptable to Indian men, and getting people talking.
  • Challenging attitudes on disability, Nigeria

    Our popular radio drama Story Story returned to the airwaves in 2020, and later to Â鶹Éç World Service, with a new focus on encouraging more inclusive attitudes to people with disabilities. Its inclusive cast and writers successfully challenged negative stereotypes and myths.
  • Leaving no one behind

    We amplify the voices of women and girls, address the needs and voices of people living with disabilities and support young people to engage with issues they face, including child marriage, girls’ education, violence against women and girls, sexual health and economic empowerment.
  • The demon of defeca, India

    When imporoving sanitation became our next big challenge, creating a defecation demon seemed a logistical way to battle poo. This iconic project included rappers and Bollywood stars creating music videos encouraging people to #GiveASh*t!
  • Brave young dreams

    Young people in Cambodia face high levels of unemployment, with stiff competition for jobs. Klahan9 (which means “brave†in Khmer), launched in 2014, is an innovative multimedia initiative to help young people improve their employment prospects, and has become a popular youth brand over the last 10 years.
  • A look back with Â鶹Éç History

    Thanks to our friends at the Â鶹Éç History Unit for this overview of Â鶹Éç Media Action at 25!

The power of media

  • Influencing for good: It works!

    How social media can spark change - our brilliant India team shares insight and experience from their project showing the valuable work of Bengaluru's waste-pickers - the 'invaluables' of society.
  • "...and Action!" - media for climate action

    Media are essential in climate change adaptation and response - read our policy note, which draws on over two decades of response to natural hazards, and increasing work to help communities prepare, adapt and take anticipatory action to protect their families and livelihoods.
  • Supporting independent media for democracy

    Now more than ever, public interest media are essential in shoring up democracy - yet media development receives only 0.3% of ODA. Our former director of policy and co-founder of the Independent Fund for Public Interest Media calls for action.
  • 10 top tips for media in the COVID-19 ‘info-demic’

    A look back at our top tips for reporting during the first weeks of the pandemic, drawing on years of experience supporting communities through health crises with the information they need and stories that inspire.

Climate action

  • Building bridges

    Communities in Nepal, Bangladesh and Kenya have one thing in common: they are all on the frontlines of a rapidly changing climate. Find out about our new project across these countries that is helping people to adapt and prepare.
  • Living Climate Change

    Ahead of the UN climate conference COP26 in November 2021, these six films, made by our local production teams, helped to elevate the voices of those most affected by climate change, who might not have been otherwise heard by global leaders.
  • A Light in the Dark

    This policy note explores the roles that media and communication can play in anticipatory action, supporting communities to take action to avert emergencies. It demonstrates the importance of ensuring media and communication are at the heart of anticipatory action.
  • A farmer's tale, Zambia

    We gave Oliver Mukampaila, a local farmer, a mobile phone so he could document his daily life and challenges for a week during the drought. The result was a deeply personal and engaging piece produced entirely by Oliver, providing a unique view into the drought's effects on farmers’ daily lives.

Supporting the journalists of tomorrow

  • The pursuit of truth

    Our pledge will create more inclusive, democratic societies by protecting public interest media for the future - providing world class journalism training to young journalists of tomorrow.
  • Media supporting mine safety in Ukraine

    Ukraine is now the most mined country in the world – we’re supporting two frontline media outlets to produce content to help keep people safe.
  • Empowering female journalists in Zambia

    Through our Moto project, we support women working in broadcast journalism to develop skills in public interest journalism and cover stories that make a difference in Africa.
  • Holding space for women in Afghanistan

    Our Kabul-based media trainer, Getti Sediqi, shares her experiences working with local radio broadcasters in today's Afghanistan while facing uncertainty and increasing restrictions for women.

Read more

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