Media Action

BBC Media Action is the BBC’s international charity.

In a world where media can be divisive and untrustworthy, we believe in the power of media and communication to do good.

Our work reaches millions of people facing insecurity, inequality and poverty with information they can trust. We support the independent media essential to democracy and development. And we inform, connect and inspire change in our audiences, providing trusted information, stories and ideas that generate debate and discussion and bridge divides.

We reach more than 100 million people a year – helping to save lives and improve health, protect livelihoods, challenge inequality and build more peaceful and democratic societies.

BBC Media Action is not funded by the BBC licence fee, and instead relies on the generous support of our donors.

Our latest blogs

Celebrating 5 years of The Tea Cup Diaries
As our flagship peace-building radio drama, The Tea Cup Diaries, marks its fifth anniversary, learn how the show has helped bridge divides between diverse communities in Myanmar, and how it continues to support and entertain its loyal following during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kenya flooding: trusted media is essential in a changing climate
As the world grapples with COVID-19, a small rural community in Turkana County, Kenya recently faced another crisis: flash flooding. Hear from local weather producer and BBC Media Action mentee, Vivian Achwa, who spoke to affected communities.
COVID-19: We're in the response for the long haul
As for billions of people around the world, the past few months have been a story of adaptation and change for BBC Media Action. Discover the latest about our global response to the COVID-19 pandemic from our CEO, Caroline Nursey.
Broadcasting from the basement: supporting Afghan audiences during COVID-19
Find out how Open Jirga, our flagship national TV discussion programme in Afghanistan, has adapted to life under lockdown to help audiences across the country cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Using my voice: radio for equality in Bamyan Province
Through our project Her Voice, Her Rights in Afghanistan, we’re mentoring female journalists across the country to produce programmes that support women and girls’ empowerment. Learn more in this guest blog by Mastora Pakbin, a radio journalist and BBC Media Action mentee.
Now is the time for an International Fund for Public Interest Media
Head of Policy, James Deane, and Senior Media Development Adviser, Maha Taki, outline the crisis facing public interest media and announce the publication of a feasibility study for an International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM).
Malaria programme tackles COVID-19 in Sierra Leone
Our health programme Tawa Fo Welbodi is encouraging people to keep taking malaria prevention seriously during the COVID-19 pandemic and adapting fast to address the extra challenges it brings. Hear from our Head of Production in Freetown.
The COVID-19 WhatsApp service by WHO - is it effective?
What does it take to create effective global health communication? Our US Director Yvonne McPherson draws on our experience in the 2014-15 Ebola outbreak to evaluate the WHO’s new WhatsApp service to tackle COVID-19.
Audience research in the time of COVID-19
Audiences are at the heart of everything we do. To understand our audiences and our impact, our work begins and ends with research – and this remains true even in a time of crisis. Hear from our Head of Research, Sonia Whitehead, about how we're adapting to COVID-19.
COVID-19: A message from our CEO
As COVID-19 spreads around the world, it is clear that trusted information is vital to help us understand what is happening and how we can protect ourselves and our families. Caroline Nursey explains our approach to the global health emergency.
The COVID-19 ‘info-demic’: A view from Bangladesh
Rumours, mis- and dis-information about COVID-19 are spreading rapidly and can be almost as harmful as the virus itself. Hear from our Senior Project Manager, Kate Gunn, about the latest developments from our global communications initiative tackling the COVID-19 'info-demic'
How media and communication can close the gender equality gap
Media can and often does perpetuate stereotypes. But used responsibly and sensitively, it can also be a creative and engaging public platform that tackles some of the deepest-rooted beliefs successfully. Read insight from Emebet Wuhib-Mutungi on shifting the norms around gender.
Women making waves: It’s time to take us seriously
Patricia is a news editor for a local radio station and one of a growing number of women working in management in an industry which - in Zambia, as elsewhere – has traditionally been dominated by men.
Our top 10 tips for media in the COVID-19 ‘info-demic’
Rumours and mis- and dis-information, including false cures and the disease’s spread, can be as harmful as the virus itself. Here are our top tips for media reporting on public health emergencies to help inform audiences, connect them to the services they need, and inspire them to cope.