Media Development enhances access to information, encourages language development, and strengthens a community’s resources to address goals and felt needs

Most communities and societies include oral preference communicators -- those who will not learn to read or who choose not to read on a regular basis for whatever reason. By using appropriate local language media, all members of a community can be included in the development of their language and in the acquisition of new information.

Effective planning for Media Development builds on an awareness of all of the communication resources of a community and enhances:

• Access to information
• Language development
• Language documentation
• Creative and artistic production
• Local ownership

Using locally appropriate language and communication genres leads to more effective development of media for clearer understanding, more creative artistic expression, and greater impact.