What is Internews?
Internews is an international media development organization whose mission is to empower local media worldwide to give people the news and information they need, the ability to connect, and the means to make their voices heard. We envision a world where everyone can communicate freely with anyone, anywhere, and exchange the news and information they need to shape the future of their communities and the world. Our values are:
The Power of Information: We believe that free flowing, locally produced and editorially independent news and information has the power to transform lives and enrich communities.
Journalistic Integrity: We uphold the values of journalistic independence and professional ethics in our work, in our organization and with our funders. Consistent with these values, Internews advocates for the importance of quality, local, independent media and the right to access information, but does not take a position on other policy issues. We reject any funding or support that would compromise our organizational independence.
Innovation: Working in some of the most difficult environments around the world, Internews pioneers applications of new technologies for development and designs and implements innovative solutions to programmatic and operational challenges.
Persistence: We recognize that social progress involves a commitment to long-term engagement, flexibility in approach, and persistent encouragement of partners and programs.
What is the history of Internews, and
what does it do? Internews was founded in 1982 by David Hoffman, Kim Spencer
and Evelyn Messinger with the goal of using media to alleviate
Cold War tensions between the U.S. and the former Soviet Union .
(Kim Spencer has since become President of Link
TV and Evelyn Messinger heads Internews
Interactive.) Internews' first project was organizing “spacebridges” – video
conferences linking American and Soviet studio audiences.
After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, independent TV began to emerge in the former Soviet Union and Internews began its work training media professionals, producing local radio and television news, and advocating for fair media laws and policies. Gradually, Internews expanded its work fostering independent media and access to information into Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Starting in 2000, Internews also began developing special global programs in topics such as environmental reporting, health journalism and humanitarian media. (More
information on Internews' activities) (Annual Reports)
Is Internews a news agency?
No. Internews facilitates the production of radio, television and print reporting in some countries, but the news is produced by local journalists, intended primarily for their local communities.
What does Internews mean by "independent
media?"
Independent media are not owned or controlled by the government
or a political party. They provide uncensored information and
enjoy freedom of speech without fear of government reprisal.
Where does Internews work, and where
does it have offices?
Internews Network has worked in over 70 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America, and currently has offices in 22 countries, and its sister organizations have offices in an additional 10 countries. Please see our map
of specific countries and office locations.
How does Internews decide where
to develop projects?
Internews mostly works in emerging democracies and transitional countries where there is both the need and potential to develop free and independent media. Internews also responds to situations such as climate change, the AIDS epidemic and humanitarian crises that can be alleviated by engaging local media. Before proposing to work in a particular region, Internews carries out a detailed on-the-ground assessment to determine media development needs, identify potential local partners, assess the possibilities for funding, staffing, and other resources, and develop a plan of action.
What is unique about Internews’ approach?
Internews bases its work on the following principles: We have a local focus, believing that news and information created by and for the local community has the biggest impact on people’s day-to-day lives. We understand media as an industry, recognizing that a number of market forces are at play in the media sector. Given limited resources, our priority is to focus on the type of media with the broadest reach in a particular region. Internews is committed to working with local partners wherever we can, such as journalist associations, professional training institutes, universities and media rights groups. We have a sector-wide approach to media development and information access, addressing the legal and policy framework, the distribution networks for TV and radio programming and print and online reporting, and the training of journalists and media managers, among other aspects.
Is Internews doing anything
to improve media in the United States ?
Internews Network co-founded the 24-hour multicultural satellite television channel, Link TV, which reaches 33 million American homes with international documentaries, features, and political programs, as well as world music videos.
Where
does Internews get its funding?
As an independent, non-profit organization,
Internews depends on grants and donations
for all its work. Our
funders include individuals, foundations, corporate donors, governments
and multilateral institutions and a variety
of NGOs.
As an independent organization, how does Internews handle its government grants?
Initially funded entirely by grants from private foundations and individuals, Internews began receiving government grants in the 1990s, primarily from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and EuropeAid, two of the world’s largest funders of international development. While foundation and individual funding remains essential to our work, government support has enabled us to greatly expand our reach, spreading the power of locally produced information to hundreds of millions of people around the world.
While we are aware that every funder has their own goals and objectives, in accordance with our value of journalistic integrity, we actively seek support that is aligned with our mission, vision and values and does not compromise our organizational independence or strive to exert control over journalistic content. We have a policy of not accepting funding from military, police or intelligence agencies.
How
can I support Internews' work?
We welcome your support. Internews Network is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and donations are taxdeductible to the extent allowed by law. Please
see information about making
a donation to Internews.
What
is Internews Europe? Paris-based Internews
Europe is a French non-profit organization founded in 1995 as a sister organization to Internews Network. Internews Europe’s activities are based on the conviction that open media are an essential cornerstone of free and open societies.
What
is Internews International? Established in 1996 and headquartered in Paris, Internews
International unites non-profit
organizations working for the development
of independent, pluralistic and open
media worldwide. II is currently made
up of 10 full
member organizations and 20 affiliated
members with offices in 32 countries.
What is
the relationship between Internews International, Internews
Europe and Internews Network? Internews Network and Internews Europe are two of the founding members
of Internews International.
