[1] The center works to improve the effectiveness of existing media development efforts by conducting research and bringing together a broad range of experts to share their experiences.

CIMA's mission is based on the conviction that free and independent media play an indispensable role in developing sustainable democracies around the world.

In order to remain a neutral platform and avoid competition with existing media development organizations, CIMA does not give grants or any other form of funding.

The goal of these reports is to provide policymakers, as well as donors and practitioners, with practical information on the importance of free media to the development of a society.

These efforts can help countries make democratic transitions, spur economic growth, improve government accountability, conduct public health campaigns, increase education and literacy levels, and empower women and minorities.

CIMA also organizes working groups, which are not open to the public, but instead invite a range of experts on an issue to have a substantive discussion and share their knowledge.

Previous discussion topics range from foreign aid, philanthropy and change in media systems [11] to Internet governance and the future of news.

Following up on this idea, CIMA worked with the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania to launch a web site called Global Media Law.