USAID

Kosovo Media Assistance Program (KMAP)

Program Overview

Download Media Sustainability Index (MSI) 2005 - Kosovo

US Agency for International Development (USAID)

IREX has been implementing media programs in Kosovo since 1999 under the ProMedia program, the Kosovo Independent Media Program (KIMP), and now the Kosovo Media Assistance Program (KMAP). Throughout this period IREX has worked with two Kosovo-wide independent broadcasters to develop their business sustainability and increase their capacity as professional broadcasters. IREX has assisted the development of a transmission system (KTTN), which has now been commercialized and is operating as an independent business. From 1999 to 2005, IREX worked with USAID under a series of cooperative agreements. In July 2005 the KMAP was launched as a contract, an important advance for IREX in the region.

KEY ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES

Assure the financial and business viability of targeted media outlets
Enhance the professionalism of journalists and media outlets in Kosovo

PROJECT RESULTS

Two Kosovo-wide independent television stations are now profitable
Broadcast transmission network moves towards commercial sustainability
Media associations actively represent members’ interests

Project Activities

Business and Financial Management: IREX has instituted professional development plans for the business management of two national private, independent television stations. Audits show a steady improvement in the quality of management. Audience surveys allow the stations to develop their advertising sales and improve the rates they charge.
Professional Development and Training for Media Practitioners: A three year professional development program for journalists and media practitioners aims to improve the quality and content of news broadcasts. A monitoring program is in place to determine the level of success. A parallel training program is under way for local broadcasters
Legislative and Regulatory Reform: IREX works with local associations to ensure that the legal and regulatory framework in Kosovo supports fair and transparent broadcast licensing, enforces regulation, and promotes an environment to support and protect the free speech rights of all media and journalists. This includes monitoring the proper implementation of the law establishing an Independent Media Commissioner and enforcement of laws governing Radio Television Kosovo (RTK), the public broadcaster.
Media Association Development and Capacity Building: IREX works with the independent media owners association (Association of Independent Broadcast Media in Kosovo), and the journalists’ association (Association of Professional Journalists in Kosovo) to ensure their survival as viable professional and advocacy organizations.