Purpose: Total budget of the call: $1,525,000.00
The SIMM program seeks to open the space for independent free media and strengthen freedom of expression by empowering journalists to reduce their vulnerability to political, economic and legal intimidation. Journalists and associated organizations must also network with pertinent civil society organizations in common cause to support improved public interest journalism. Legislation will be promulgated which upon passage would de-criminalize current libel and slander laws and shift the burden of proof, reducing the power of political entities to punish the media for presenting the truth.
Program Objectives:
Objective 1: Build the capacity of media and journalists’ associations to support members through collective action, provide legal support to mitigate lawsuits and advance legislative reform to eliminate criminal defamation.
Objective 2: Monitor and enforce professional standards of practice through peer review, public discussion and condemnation of unethical journalism.
Objective 3: Develop sustainable systems to network journalists with CSOs in common cause to improve public interest journalism and bolster media’s legitimate role in society.
Illustrative Activities include but are not limited to:
Develop the institutional capacity of the media and journalists’ associations to function as the premier organizations representing all Macedonian journalists. Monitor, provide expert commentary and lobby for/against proposed changes to media and freedom of information legislation. Assist a national organization to develop a web-based platform to monitor and provide media content. Support peer to peer media criticism and public condemnation of poor professional practices. Link media organizations to other CSOs and think tanks for joint advocacy on common issues. Monitor and publicize media freedom violations, including attacks on journalists. Assist organizations who provide legal defense for journalists. Utilize social media to promote media issues, enlist citizen reporters. Advocacy networking, coalition building and links to international media support organizations. Support linkages to regionally-based media platforms (BIRN, RIJN, SEENPM, SEEMO) Monitor actions of the Broadcasting Council. Encourage cross border exchanges with other Balkan countries with improved media environments (Croatia).
Duration:
The duration – implementation of programs funded under this APS is anticipated for a period of 27 to 36 months from the date of the individual award(s).
Anticipated funding available
USAID anticipates $1,525,000.00 initially to be available to support the program(s) or activity/activities described herein, although final funding levels will depend on content, quality, number of applications received, needs, availability of funding, and competing priorities.
Should USAID decide to make additional funds available later, up to $500,000 in additional funding, this APS will be amended accordingly.
Type of award(s) / substation involvement
The activity will be implemented primarily through Cooperative Agreements to credible domestic media and civil society organizations. Cooperative Agreements are recommended as substantial involvement is anticipated between USAID and the recipients during the implementation of the proposed activity.
Applicants are free to propose a consortium with local media and civil society organizations partners. If a consortium is proposed, the applicants must be clear about how each organization complements the project and how integration among all participants will be assured. The successful applicant should have experience in media development and be able to propose a staffing/teaming structure which will provide a wide range of strategic and technical assistance to grantees.
Eligibility:
The following types of organizations may apply for funding under this APS
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) registered under the Law on Non-Governmental Organizations and Foundations of the Republic
of Macedonia;
- For-profit consulting companies/think tanks/ registered as local entities.
Deadline: 20 April 2012
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