MENA MEDIA

Program Overview

Media Sustainability Index
(MSI) 2005 - Middle East & North Africa (MENA)
Drawing on its unique experience in developing a successful MSI for Europe and Eurasia over the past five years, IREX is now expanding its in-depth analysis of the conditions for independent media to the MENA region.

North Africa Citizen Journalism Workshop

Useful resources from the North Africa Citizen Journalism Workshop Casablanca, Morocco.

The Middle East and North Africa Media Development Initiatives Alliance (MENA MEDIA), funded by the US Department of State’s Middle East Partnership initiative and launched in 2005, works in partnership with local media professionals and organizations to address the media profession’s most pressing issues. IREX maintains a regional office in Beirut, Lebanon with local representatives throughout the region.

KEY OBJECTIVE

Support independent media in the Middle East and North Africa

PROJECT PLAN

Distribute grants to local organizations working on media law reform
Provide 12 media leaders with fellowships for professional development
Award grants to television programs that increase awareness on local issues
Support the development of media management
Promote regional advocacy and networking efforts

Program Activities

Development of Media Law and Regulations: MENA MEDIA supports the efforts of local associations, attorneys, and media reformers as they seek to improve the legal and regulatory framework for independent media. MENA MEDIA analyzes proposed legislation, provides training in advocacy, and assists with the development of draft media laws and regulations. Workshops, consultations, and trainings allow lawyers, journalists, parliamentarians and judges to learn about and discuss proposed media legislative changes, model laws, and the implementation of new reforms.
Professional Development for Emerging Media Leaders: To diversify television broadcast programming, the TV Production Fund finances projects that report on topics typically not covered by current media productions. The Emerging Leaders Fellowship provides training on leadership and management to media professionals to support the use of best practices in broadcast and print industries.
Media Management: MENA MEDIA offers media management training in market research, expands business resources for media, and provides short-term consulting on strategic planning to nascent private media outlets.
Professional Networking among Media Professionals and Advocates: Through a media business website and small grants, MENA MEDIA promotes and facilitates communication among leading media professionals and advocates to ensure the sustainability of media development efforts in the region.

IREX Media work in MENA

Since 2003, IREX and IREX Europe have been implementing regional and country programs in the Middle East and North Africa. The programs provide study and internship opportunities for professionals in the region, foster the development of civil society and professional media, and support basic, secondary, and graduate educational development.