Internews Network appreciates the opportunity to submit testimony on the issue of support for media development and information access around the world. There are few issues as important to the health and stability of people everywhere today than the free and unfettered flow of information. We ask that the Committee consider doing the following for fiscal year 2007, under funds provided for the US Agency for International Development and the Department of State: (1) Continue HIV/AIDS media programs in Africa and India at least at current congressionally recommended funding levels; and (2) expand media and information programs in the Middle East.

Free Media and the Free Flow of Information

Information is the oxygen of a civil society. It is the means by which citizens are empowered to participate effectively in their communities. Media are a vital tool for strengthening democracy through the development of independent voices and points of view. A responsive, objective, credible media can counteract skewed sentiments that foster hate and threaten our national security. Simply put, democracy needs many voices.

In an age of instant communications, the flow of information and technology is a gateway for economic growth and prosperity and a means of spreading free speech, entrepreneurship and the engagement of the private sector. Without information empowerment, there cannot be economic development.

Information is critical to fighting disease and poverty. Local media, in particular, play a vital role in, for example, the fight against HIV/AIDS, where media can shape beliefs, alter attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS and set the agenda for government policy. Local media can play a role in ensuring public understanding of an epidemic and in sustaining prevention efforts. Local media can also provide an outlet for the voices of those affected and infected to participate in the public debate, personalizing HIV/AIDS issues and placing it within a community.

As new information and communications technologies emerge, it is critically important to ensure access to vital channels of information such as the Internet, email and cell phones. These technologies not only empower people to participate in the global society, they can also drive economic, social, and political development. In developing countries around the world, it is important to encourage adoption of the legal and regulatory frameworks that make such technologies as accessible as possible and to bring together the various stakeholders to promote the growth of an open and affordable Internet. Similarly, the right telecommunications policies can increase universal access and promote a competitive communications market.

With over two decades of experience in media development and programs in fifty countries, Internews knows firsthand the concrete benefits of increasing access to news and information and fostering media development.

Harnessing the Power of the Media to Respond to HIV/AIDS

Accurate, responsible, and effective local media coverage is essential in the global struggle against HIV/AIDS. In many parts of the world, sensationalist reporting—or no reporting at all—of AIDS-related issues continues to fuel fear and misconceptions. In the developing countries of Africa, journalists and media managers face daunting obstacles to covering HIV/AIDS issues, including limited access to information, minimal journalistic training, and lack of basic resources such as a phone or a computer at their desks. Equipping local media with the resources and skills necessary to report on the complex issues around AIDS is the key to fostering a more supportive environment for HIV prevention, care and treatment efforts to succeed.

One of Internews' cornerstone programs is the HIV/AIDS initiative launched in 2003 called Local Voices. Funded by USAID and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Local Voices trains radio journalists, talk show hosts and disc jockeys to improve their coverage of HIV/AIDS, stimulating dialogue and debate on the issues and enabling the local media to play a more meaningful role in helping their societies cope with the epidemic. Internews currently operates Local Voices programs in Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia, and has begun a pilot project in Cote d’Ivoire. In fiscal year 2006, Internews will initiate a Local Voices project in India.

Through practical training in technical radio production skills, script writing, research skills, as well as the science of HIV, participants learn how to create reports and radio programs on HIV/AIDS that humanize the issue and stimulate action. It enables people like radio journalist Esther Macharia to produce a half-hour long weekly HIV/AIDS show called “Hope Corner” on Radio Citizen—Kenya’s fastest growing FM radio station. It means that popular Nigerian disc jockeys can urge their young listeners to get tested for HIV.

In addition to its Local Voices programs in Africa, Internews conducts training on how to cover HIV/AIDS for print journalists, radio deejays and video jockeys in India, and has established similar programs in the Mekong Delta region of Southeast Asia.

Increasing Access to Information and Communication Technologies in the Middle East

Policy reform is the key to Internet access. In the Middle East, the Internet penetration rate is less than 10%, but this rate has increased nearly five-fold over the past five years, according to InternetWorldStats.com. The result is that more citizens of the Middle East and North Africa are disseminating and obtaining information electronically than ever before. The development of an affordable and accessible Internet is a driver of economic growth and can help meet citizens' needs for greater services and accountability from governments and the private sector.

In Algeria, by working with the local private sector and civil society organizations, Internews was able to catalyze discussions with the Algerian government that resulted in a statement of principles for Internet development, an assessment of information and communications technology (ICT) policy reform done for the government, and creation of a new local organization to advocate for public policy reform on Internet issues. This engagement resulted in a careful examination of interconnection pricing for Internet service providers by the Algerian regulator.

The large proportion of youth are the driving force for greater Internet access in countries in the Middle East. They are pushing government and investors towards policy reform that increases access and lowers costs. Reaching out to youth, Internews helped design the requirements for an Internet merit badge for the Algerian Muslim Scouts organization (SMA), which is the first such merit badge of its kind in the region.

Citizen Journalism/Blogging: In the Maghreb, citizen journalism, or blogging, is not yet a mass movement as it is in the United States. Giving both journalists and non-journalists the tools and expertise to blog might be the best way to promote freedom of information. This is an opportune time to offer training courses for professional journalists that combine use of tools and an understanding of the online environment.

Online Journalism: In this burgeoning electronic news environment, most leading independent newspapers in the region have launched web editions. They recognize that the Internet offers greater editorial freedom (since government censorship is often less stringent than for print publications) and the ability to publish breaking news and regular updates.

Conclusion

Free media and the free flow of information are key not only to democratization and development; they are also essential elements in educating and informing populations about vital health issues, and in empowering citizens to participate in the global society. From working to make the Internet accessible and affordable to the average eighteen-year old Algerian, to providing radio talk shows in Nigeria that reduce stigma about HIV/AIDS, Internews is proud to be in the forefront of the global movement for information access and independent media.

Thank you for this opportunity to share our views on this important subject.

Pat Mitchell was appointed president and chief executive officer of The Museum of Television & Radio effective March 15, 2006. Mitchell came to the Museum from the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), where she was named president and chief executive officer in March 2000, the first woman and first producer and journalist to hold the position. Mitchell has enjoyed a three-decade career in media. Previous to PBS, Mitchell worked for three broadcast networks and several cable channels, and achieved success both in front of and behind the camera as a reporter, news anchor, talk show host, White House and special correspondent, producer, and executive.