James Deane

James was instrumental in conceiving and developing the feasibility of an International Fund for Public Interest Media. He has spent over 30 years in leadership on media development and communication for development issues. He is the former executive director and founding member of Panos Institute, London. As well as working as a part time consultant to Luminate on the International Fund for Public Interest Media, James is also Head of Policy at BBC Media Action, the BBC’s international media support charity. He is a writer, commissioner, and editor of numerous books, briefings, articles, and blogs on the role of media and communication in democracy and development.

He is also an organizer of numerous conferences on the issue. James has provided strategic advice to most bilateral and multilateral development organizations, as well as numerous foundations and NGOs, on media development and communication for development. He is the Chair of Global Voices and a steering committee member of Global Forum for Media Development.