Media freedom and pluralism lie at the heart of democracy and good governance. They are a pre-requisite for sustainable development and for the enjoyment of human rights, notably freedom of expression and information. Numerous studies show a strong correlation between independent journalism and stronger rule of law, political stability, government effectiveness, economic growth, and higher GDP per capita. Yet independent media are facing unprecedented pressure around the world.
In October 2023, the Commission launched Financial Framework Partnership Agreements (FFPAs) to support independent media, with the goal of offering more strategic actions with greater impact and sustainability. Three consortia of top media-development organisations will be partnering with the EU until the end of 2027. Delegations, too, will be able to tap into the resources and expertise of the consortia.
The consortia are led respectively by Internews, BBC Media Action, and Free Press Unlimited, and include a variety of European, international, and Global South organisations.
So far, two projects have been selected at HQ level in the framework of the FFPAs, while one Delegation has started a project at country level. The two global projects will start implementation in the first half of 2025, with a total budget of EUR 20 million. These projects blend global advocacy for a more enabling environment with in-county activities in more than 20 countries across Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the EU Neighbourhood, along with work to consolidate cross-border networks. The projects are strongly rooted in local contexts and involve, as much as possible, Global South local partners, both in the design and implementation of projects.
Representatives of DG INTPA and the three consortia will
- present the FFPAs
- provide a short analysis of the main challenges facing the independent media sector
- give a preview of the selected projects
The presentations will be followed by a Q&A discussion.
- the EU's international role | international cooperation
- Thursday 5 December 2024, 15:00 - 16:30 (CET)
- Brussels, Belgium
Practical information
- When
- Thursday 5 December 2024, 15:00 - 16:30 (CET)
- Where
- InfoPointBrussels, Belgium
- Languages
- English
- Organisers
- International Partnerships InfoPoint
Description
The main objectives of these FFPAs are to:
- Strengthen the resilience of journalists and media outlets at risk, as well as their ability to react and adapt to changes in their environment.
- Combat hate speech, extremism, and disinformation.
- Provide young journalists operating in difficult conditions access to professional development and learning opportunities, including on digital technologies.
- Build and consolidate cross-border networks of media development organisations and CSOs, putting them in a better position to address global topics such as corruption, the environment, and the use of new technologies.
Cross-cutting priority: support to journalists reporting about minority groups and from “news deserts,” and provide specific support to women journalists.
Full list of consortium members:
- Consortium led by Internews Europe and including ARTICLE 19, Fojo Media Institute / Linnaeus University, Thomson Media, and Transtélé Canal France International (CFI).
- Consortium led by BBC Media Action and including WAN-IFRA (the World Association of News Publishers), Fondation Hirondelle Media for Peace and Human Dignity, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), IREX Europe doing business as ERIM, SembraMedia, Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe, the Foundation ARIJ International (Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism), and the Samir Kassir Foundation.
- Consortiumled by Free Press Unlimited and including Reporters Sans Frontière (RSF), Deutsche Welle, and International Media Support.
Speakers
- Chiara Adamo, Head of Unit INTPA G1, Gender equality, human rights and democratic governance
- Camila Ferro, Senior Fundraising Officer, Free Press Unlimited
- Ruth de Vries, Director of Operations, Free Press Unlimited
- Farhod Rahmatov, Project Director for AGILE, Global Democracy Programs, Internews Europe
- Meera Selva, Chief Executive Officer, Internews Europe
- Andrew Harrington, Programme Director, Media Development, BBC Media Action
- Camilla Palazzini, Senior Partnerships Manager, Media Development, BBC Media Action
- Moderated by Claire Bigg, Programme manager media and digital democracy, INTPA G1, Gender equality, human rights and democratic governance
Language: English
Q&A session languages: English
Registration
Register for onsite participation at the InfoPoint premises
Register for online participation to the Webex meeting (Webex link will be communicated upon registration)
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