Dragomir Discusses Media Capture in Media4Democracy Podcast

“Tech companies have a huge role to play by making high quality journalism more visible. They have the power to have a huge impact,” CMDS Director Marius Dragomir said in a new podcast for INTPA and Media4Democracy.

INTPA and Media4Democracy launched a podcast series with six international experts about the crisis independent media face around the world. They discuss what can be done to help independent media survive.

In his episode, Marius Dragomir explains “the most dangerous phenomenon” of media capture, which makes journalism almost impossible.

Being an independent journalist in a captured environment is extremely difficult. The only way to operate is to set up your own small media outlet, usually online, and try to fundraise. The space for independent journalism is shrinking.

Talking about possible interventions, he discussed the role of tech companies.

Tech companies have a huge role to play in prioritizing high quality content on their platforms. Yes, removing misinformation is also important, but the proactive approach is more effective – once you have high quality content and people consume that, there will be less demand for misinformation.

In addition to Marius Dragomir, the podcast series features Maria Ressa, 2021 Nobel Peace Prize Co-laureate, CEO of Rappler.com; Caoilfhionn Gallagher QC, Media Lawyer, International Media Defense Panel; Guilherme Canela, UNESCO, Global Head of Freedom of Expression & Safety of Journalists Section; David Kaye, former UN Special Rapporteur, Freedom of Opinion & Expression; and Rasmus Kleis Nielsen, Director, Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, Oxford University.