Independent media refers to any form of
media, such as
radio,
television,
newspapers or the
Internet, that is free of influence by government or corporate interests. The term has varied applications. Within the
United States and other
developed countries, it is often used synonymously with
alternative media to refer to media that specifically distinguish themselves in relation to the
mainstream media. In international development, the term independent media is used in relation to the development of new media outlets, particularly in areas where there is little to no existing media presence.