Algeria
Egypt
Israel
Jordan
Lebanon
Libya
Morocco
Palestine *
Syria *
TunisiaMedMedia conference considers new mechanisms for improving the coordination of media development efforts in the Southern Mediterranean region
July 7, 2016
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Representatives from 30 leading agencies taking part in a conference organised by the EU-funded MedMedia project and the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD), highlighted the need for a more joined-up strategy in supporting local media actors as well as better mechanisms for assessing priorities and devising appropriate responses.
The event, held in Brussels on June 27-28, was aimed at considering new approaches for regional coordination and at showcasing an online mapping tool created by MedMedia which will provide an overview of ongoing media development projects in the partner countries.
It was agreed that, whilst MedMedia had an important short-term role to play in facilitating discussion and populating the mapping database, the task of continuing this work in the long term should fall to GFMD, an international membership network of 200 media assistance groups based in Brussels. However, it was pointed out that in order to rise to these challenges, the organisation would need additional resources from the international donor community and from its members.
Participants shared the perception that, following the proliferation of media development projects in the Middle East over the past five years, there was a growing imperative to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure that available resources were properly targeted. However, they said, it was essential to balance the desire for improved information-sharing and transparency with the need to ensure the security of local actors in repressive media environments.
Delegates also called for more effective engagement with donor organisations by orchestrating a regular exchange of views and ideas which could help to shape strategy on a regional level.
The EU-funded MedMedia project aims to create an enabling environment for media reforms in the Southern Mediterranean region. It is part of the €17 million EU programme “Media and culture for development in the Southern Mediterranean” which aims at supporting the media and culture reform processes in the region.
MedMedia focuses on media legislation, regulation, programming, strategy and leadership with a view to helping state media fulfil their public service mandate and compete with the commercial sector. It will also work to build public trust by strengthening the media’s role as an independent watchdog and a forum for democratic debate. (EU Neighbourhood Info)
Read more
MedMedia project website
MedMedia facebook page
EU Neighbourhood Info Centre – Culture and media
Countries covered:
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Algeria
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Egypt
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Israel
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Jordan
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Lebanon
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Libya
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Morocco
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Palestine *
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Syria *
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Tunisia
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