Social Norms
Social norms action with informed and engaged societies
Social Norms
After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at lainiciativadecomunicacion.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
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Network for News Safety - Global

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In December, 2002, a coalition of media companies, journalists, press freedom groups, and international organisations, under the guidance of the International News Safety Institute (based at the International Press Centre in Brussels), announced the launch of a new global network to counter attacks on media and violence against journalists. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the International Press Institute (IPI) are key participants in the campaign.
Communication Strategies
This initiative is based on the building of solidarity between various media groups - broadcast and print media alike. Conscious of the threats of possible new media casualties in the worsening political climate in the Middle East and elsewhere, the IFJ and IPI organised an inaugural discussion among media industry leaders in Brussels in late 2002. The meeting included representatives of more than 50 international networks, including the BBC, CNN, ITN, Reuters, national media, and the European Broadcasting Union. Representatives from international organisations including UNESCO, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and NATO also pledged their support.

To date, more than 80 organisations working for news safety have committed to membership in the network, the purpose of which is to provide practical assistance to journalists and media staff worldwide.

The network will include regional groups. The draft plan of action includes:
  • Setting international standards for safety training and equipment.
  • Verifying training programmes organised by military and private organisations
  • Expanding access to risk-awareness training for journalists and media staff.
  • Providing information through regional channels, which are designed to bring together knowledge and experience from working journalists, regional experts, press freedom groups, and professional trainers.
  • Lobbying for safety
Development Issues
Media Safety and Freedom.
Key Points
According to the IFJ, in 2002 65 journalists and media staff were killed while on duty and hundreds more were affected by violence against media.