Independent media refers to any media, such as television, newspapers or Internet-based publications, 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.

Research has found that independent media plays an important role in improving government accountability and reducing corruption.

Jonathan Harley, who leads Canva’s News Industry initiative, reflects on the importance of a free press and the role Canva is playing in newsrooms around the world.

An independent media means that no one should control and influence its coverage of news. No one should tell the media what can be included and what should not be included in a news story. It means that the media should not be under any one's pressure. It will be totally independent. An independent media is very important because it is on the basis of the information that the media provides that we take action as citizens. Hence, it essential that this information is reliable. It should be biased at all.

If you’ve got media that’s not independent, the danger is one-dimensionality. So you’ve got a media that speaks only to a specific constituency on whom the media is dependent. If you are going to have a media that speaks in the same voice … the voice of those who own and control it, that undermines media diversity and plurality and once that is undermined, it also undermines democracy itself. An independent media is important for various reasons but not least the fact that it can represent a whole range of opinions and viewpoints in a given society.