State of the Media: Timor-Leste provides comprehensive new insights into Timor-Leste’s media sector, outlining achievements and challenges facing the industry in Asia’s youngest democracy, 22 years after independence.
The study provides valuable evidence for Timor-Leste’s media sector as it navigates a digital future and champions media freedom. State of the Media: Timor-Leste explores the landscape that resulted in the young nation being ranked highly on the World Press Freedom Index.
It is understood to be the one of the most detailed studies into Timor-Leste’s media landscape and provides an important baseline for future research.
ABC International Development Lead Jo Elsom said: “We’re excited to work with our Timorese partners to fill this knowledge gap and contribute to a better understanding of the media sector in Timor-Leste. Media can use this new information to help shape and strengthen their futures, to address business viability and meet audience needs.”
The Asia Foundation’s Country Representative in Timor-Leste, Héctor Salazar Salame, said: “The Asia Foundation has been a long-time supporter of a free and independent media in Timor-Leste. We believe that an independent media is a critical part of Timor-Leste’s vibrant democracy, and we commend Timor-Leste for maintaining one of the ‘most free’ media environments in Southeast Asia.”
Key research findings are:
- Timor-Leste’s media sector is committed to capturing ‘the voices of the people’ to inform government about community perspectives and experiences.
- Television is more frequently accessed than radio across urban and rural locations. However, radio remains dominant in rural communities where TV access is limited. 21% of all respondents reported they listen to radio a few times a week.
- TV is the most trusted media source among citizens.
- Mis/Disinformation, or ‘hoaxes’, is seen as a significant problem.
- Economic sustainability was raised by respondents as the biggest media issue.
- Balanced coverage is an industry-wide challenge.
- Digital literacy and cyber security will need future attention.
State of the Media: Timor-Leste is a resource for media, government and civil society, to help strengthen the country’s media to inform citizens, serve the public interest and contribute to achieving national development goals.
The study adopted a multi-method approach, looking into publicly accessible documents on media policy and legislation, media infrastructure and coverage, and audience consumption patterns. Interviews were conducted with media practitioners, communication officers, and representatives working closely with media.
For interviews or media enquiries, please contact:
Marlesha Havea
Communications Manager, ABC International Development
Fernanda Maria
Timor-Leste Media Development Program Coordinator, ABC International Development
Background
ABC International Development (ABCID) is the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s media development unit. ABCID supports partner organisations in the Indo-Pacific region to pursue quality journalism, tell engaging stories and build strong connections with their communities. It leverages ABC regional expertise and sources the best Australian and Indo-Pacific talent in journalism, program-making, thematic content, organisational development and research to support capacity building in media organisations across the Indo-Pacific region.
The Timor-Leste Media Development Program has been developed by ABCID in partnership with Timor-Leste media. It is funded by the Australian Government under the Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy.
