Global Media and the Development Story: An Introduction, by G. Pascal Zachary, With Commentaries by Six Leading Journalists, The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), May 2007.

A vibrant media is indispensable for development. By shining a spotlight on policy debates, disseminating research results, and holding governments accountable, journalists play a critical role in the decisionmaking process. At the same time, they sometimes miss—or misinterpret—important stories. Additionally, reporters may face a variety of obstacles, from budget cutbacks to unsympathetic editors.

We asked a prominent journalist to write an article sharing his perceptions—based on more than a decade of reporting development stories for The Wall Street Journal and other influential outlets—on the strengths and weaknesses of media coverage of these issues. We also asked him to offer his recommendations for improving coverage. In order to get perspectives from around the world, we asked six additional journalists, spanning the globe from Argentina to Japan, to provide their own observations. We hope that the insights and suggestions from these essays will spur a deeper examination of how to enhance the media's contribution to the global effort to reduce hunger and poverty.

(Forward, Joachim von Braun, Director General, IFPRI)

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The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI®) was established in 1975. IFPRI is one of 15 agricultural research centers that receives its principal funding from governments, private foundations, and international and regional organizations, most of which are members of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research.

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