Media Program in Moldova (MPM)

Program Overview

Media Sustainability Index (MSI) 2008 - Moldova

US Agency for International Development (USAID)

The three-year Media Program in Moldova, funded by USAID, aims to support development of a network of regional independent television stations providing citizens with a sustainable source of objective local news and information. The project will raise professional skills at the stations, improve their performance as well-managed businesses, and ensure distribution of local and regional news across Moldova. In addition, the program will address the capacity of the media in Transnistria to serve local information needs.

KEY ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES

Two dozen television stations operate in Moldovan towns, with the potential to become sources of the local news and information that is largely absent on the national channels To fulfill this promise, IREX will assist select local stations by:

Developing a network of local stations. The local stations exist outside of the capital and as such have a difficult time accessing quality programming, advertising revenue, and technical expertise. Networking provides the opportunity to address these issues through economies of scale and access to advertisers.

Improving professionalism in the local news and information produced by the stations. Local stations have less access to in-service training and professional development opportunities. IREX will work with selected stations to enhance their professionalism.

Supporting business practices that lead to sustainable outlets. Local markets are much weaker and advertising is scarce. While a network can help access more of the advertising market, stations need to develop innovative business strategies to maximize revenues and contain costs, while still delivering quality programs to their audience. Through training and consulting, IREX and the stations will develop tailored approaches to meet this challenge.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES

The MPM team will assemble a feasibility study team and schedule consultations. Key elements of the process:

Network Development: IREX will support the development of a network of local stations by providing consulting and mentoring to member stations and network management.
Station Development: Trainings, consulting, and small grants will be used to help partner stations improve their managerial and journalism skills.

Partners

IREX will work with two local partners in the implementation of this project. The Independent Journalism Center is Moldova’s most respected media support organization, and D3 Systems is an international specialist in market research and promoting effective use of credible audience data.

Program Contact: For more information about this or other IREX media initiatives e-mail media@irex.org.