USAID

Azerbaijan - Media Advancement Project

Program Overview

Media Sustainability Index (MSI) 2006 - Azerbaijan

US Agency for International Development (USAID)

In July 2004, IREX launched the USAID-funded Media Advancement Project, which focuses on increasing Azerbaijan civil society’s access to objective and varied information, thereby promoting and supporting their participation in Azerbaijan’s policy and decision-making process.

KEY ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES
Develop a financially sustainable and professional private media sector in Azerbaijan that supports:

High quality and responsible reporting
Media lawyers who can advocate on behalf of media outlets
Active media associations

PROJECT RESULTS
Gaya, an independent print distribution company based in Baku, began expanding its area of operations into the regions; sales continued to grow and revenue concentration was in subscriptions.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES

Improve Journalistic Professionalism: The polarizing effect of Azerbaijan’s political situation leaves little room between the opposition and nongovernmental media for fair and objective information to reach Azerbaijan’s citizens. IREX provides journalism education and professional development opportunities to Azerbaijani media outlets and independent journalists, giving them the skills and experience they need to provide balanced and comprehensive coverage.
Enhance Financial Viability of Media Outlets: Although the national economy is developing with oil revenues, the media market remains weak and underdeveloped. IREX helps improve financial sustainability in Azerbaijani media outlets by assisting media to develop revenue flows, track and manage operating costs, and improve team-building and motivational skills among media outlet managers.
Improve Media Advocacy: In practice, the laws that affect media in Azerbaijan are often contradictory. Even when the laws support media independence in writing, they are often not fully implemented. To ameliorate the situation, IREX supports legal monitoring, improved licensing procedures, and legal advocacy.
Increase Civic Journalism and Civic Participation: Azerbaijan does not have a strong tradition of civic journalism. IREX works with Azerbaijani journalists to provide full and accurate election coverage and to produce articles and programs on issues of social importance.

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