Media

Middle East and North Africa Media Development and Initiatives Alliance (MENA Media)
MEPI region

International Research Exchanges Board 
FY05 $2,678,376

This project increases the professionalism and sustainability of independent media in the Middle East and North Africa. Activities support the commercial, regulatory, and political factors that underpin the growth of independent media: an open operating environment; professional, quality-driven outlets; and public-oriented content. The program has four areas: media law, media management, professional development, and regional networks. All programs are interconnected.

Web Access for Civil Society
MEPI region

Regents of the University of New Mexico
FY05 $ 949,920

This project supports the establishment of a Web portal for civil society NGOs and trains NGOs on how to network into the portal system and use tools available to improve their initiatives. It identifies NGOs for linkage into the portal and provides training on how to design, develop and maintain linked Web sites.

Middle East North Africa Development Initiative Alliance (MENA Media)

Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen

International Research and Exchanges Board

FY04 $3,474,726

MENA Media supports the increased professionalism and sustainability of independent media in the Middle East and North Africa by targeting the commercial, regulatory, and political factors that underpin the growth of independent media: an open operating environment; professional, quality-driven outlets; and public-oriented, objective content. Program activities include: 1) support for organizations promoting the rights of media and journalists and the independence and transparency of regulators; 2) assistance to new and emerging independent media in business management; 3) fellowships and training opportunities to emerging broadcast media leaders; and 4) opportunities for networking between media professionals. An advisory council of leading regional media executives and media reformers informs the MENA Media project on the needs of the media community and the opportunities for productive project activities.

Management Consulting in Media Outlets

Algeria

New York University

FY04 $1,501,913

This program improves the content and profitability of media outlets in North Africa and the Middle East through an intense program of consulting. The program uses a mix of international and local trainers to work with news outlets. The consultants work with each news organization to build a custom improvement plan to address needed changes in news or business practices. Local managers then enact the plan with the help of the program consultants. Fellowship opportunities at NYU exist for emerging print media leaders at participating outlets.

Palestinian Ma'an Network Magazine Series and PLC Session Broadcasts

Palestinian Territories

Search for Common Ground

FY04 $1,268,620

The project strengthens independent Palestinian media to build their capacity in promoting transparency, accountability, and broader political reform within Palestinian society . The program also trains and supports independent media professionals by teaching principles of free and independent journalism and offering the opportunity to apply newly acquired skills.

Internet Policy Reform Project

Algeria

Internews Network Global Internet Policy Initiative

FY04 $566,436

The program creates a national draft policy strategy and facilitates public-private dialogue on Internet, telecom and regulatory issues.

Bahrain Media Assessment and Strategic Plan

Bahrain

CHUM Television International

FY04 $223,362

Under this program, CHUM Television International produces a strategic plan for content and management improvements and identifies the necessary steps for alternative regulatory and ownerships options such as possible divestiture and the creation of an independent, non-governmental broadcasting corporation.

Media Sustainability Index

Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen

International Research and Exchanges Board and Academy for Educational Development

FY04 $700,000

This program extends the media sustainability index (MSI) developed to measure media reform into the Middle East and North Africa. The MSI provides a comprehensive measurement of all key objectives required for the development of independent, professional, and sustainable media systems, specifically: 1) legal enabling environment; 2) professional journalism; 3) plurality of news sources; 4) business management; and 5) supporting institutions.

Media Development Strategies for the Middle East and North Africa

UAE

International Research and Exchanges Board

FY04 $100,000

The program provides a workshop on media assistance for 30 Middle East media professionals, international donors, and media assistance implementers. It also generates strategic guidance on media assistance activities. The workshop produces an analytical framework for Middle East media.