TimorLeste:Community leaders most trusted information source

United Nations study shows community leaders are the most trusted source of information in Timor-Leste

Dili, 11 October2011 – A United Nations study shows that although access to radio, television and newspapers has increased throughout Timor-Leste, community leaders are still the most trusted source of public information.

The study was commissioned by the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) to help the United Nations, Government of Timor-Leste and non-governmental organizations design more effective communication strategies and provide up-to-date information on the Timorese people’s access to information.

The study was conducted by INSIGHT, a Timorese research agency. INSIGHT interviewed 2,500 people 15 years of age or older throughout the country, between May and June 2010. The study builds on similar research conducted in 2006 by the media NGO Hirondelle Foundation.

Here are some of the study’s key findings:

• Radio still has the highest reach of any communication medium.

• Community leaders are the most accessed and most trusted sources of information.

• Mobile phone penetration is increasing. Mobile phones are present in 61% of households in Timor-Leste.

• 16% of the population still has no access to any form of media (radio, television, newspapers, internet or mobile phones). This group obtains information about issues of concern from traditional leaders and by word of mouth.

• The majority of people prefer the use of Tetum in the media.

• There are significant regional variations in reach of media - with remote districts such as Oecusse having less access.

To view the study, visit UNMIT’s website at unmit.unmissions.org

ENDS

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