In the case of UNESCO the intent in relation to such products (films, videodiscs, videocassettes, gramophone records, sound cassettes and audio-visual programmes) is to encourage their domestic design and production in developing countries and to foster exchanges of information on the part played by these cultural products in intercultural exchanges and the promotion of international understanding. Special focus is placed on the use of low-cost technologies adapted to specific needs. The concern is to provide access to information by, or a means of expression for, sectors and communities whose views are not always reflected by mass channels. Stress is placed on the use of such technologies by communities and groups disadvantaged because of age, sex, ethnic origin or physical location.
In the field of mass media it is frequently much less expensive to acquire programmes from external sources than to produce local and culturally specific materials.