The Media Program supports research as the basis for subsequent activities in policymaking, advocacy, and training.

Examples of media-related research supported by the Media Program include the study of media ownership and its influence on editorial independence, journalists' perception of their rights and working conditions, representation of minority groups in the media, and coverage of political parties during the election periods.

The program typically requires that a strong policymaking, advocacy, and/or training component is included in the development of such initiatives. Individual and academic research is not supported.