Press Releases

Statement by Jeanne Bourgault, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice-President for Programs, Internews Network

Before the

Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs

Committee on Appropriations

U.S. House of Representatives

March 29, 2007

Testimony to the Subcommittee on Foreign Operations

[Note: this is the written version of the testimony as it was submitted]

Madame Chairwoman, Internews Network appreciates the opportunity to appear before the committee on the issue of support for media development and information access around the world. Internews Network, an international non-profit organization based in California and Washington, DC, has 25 years experience in international media development. Based on our experience, we have found that one of the most powerful and cost-effective ways to promote international development is to ensure access to news and information for people in the developing world.

We ask that the Committee consider doing the following for fiscal year 2008, 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 expand to other countries in Africa; and (2) expand support for independent media in the Middle East.

Enhancing the Free Flow of News and Information

Around the world, independent radio and TV stations, newspapers, magazines, and web sites provide local populations with vital news and information, from crop prices to elections coverage to health information. Lack of information – information poverty – severely hinders all other aspects of international development.

Increasing the free flow of news and information and reducing information poverty must be central to any development strategy. 

In addition to reducing poverty, vibrant, independent media help lay the groundwork for the growth of civil society and good governance. The transparency and public debate made possible by the existence of independent media are essential to holding free and fair elections, as well as combating corruption and mismanagement.

Further, some of the most difficult global issues of our time—including national, ethnic and religious conflicts, terrorism and pandemics—can be resolved only in the context of the free flow of information.  When those who have been marginalized have a voice, and individuals can access accurate sources of news and information, the effect is immediate. In times of stress and crisis, people respond more effectively when they have access to reliable channels of information.

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. 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.

Internews currently operates Local Voices programs in Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia, and operated a short-term project in Côte d’Ivoire. In October 2006, Internews launched a Local Voices project in India and has since conducted training workshops there for print and radio journalists in covering HIV/AIDS, as well as a workshop for leaders of local AIDS NGOs (non-governmental organizations) in how to work with the media effectively.

Following the radio training, Vijay Kumar, a student at the workshop based in Chennai, produced his first program about HIV, focusing on AIDS counseling and testing and featuring a call-in segment with an on-air AIDS counselor. The program attracted so many callers requesting information that Kumar has since been given a regular slot for a program exclusively about HIV issues. This is a first for his station, All India Radio, the national broadcaster.

In addition to its Local Voices programs in Africa and India, Internews conducts training on how to cover HIV/AIDS for media professionals in the Mekong Delta region of Southeast Asia.

Internews Kenya A journalist interviews children at an AIDS orphanage in Kenya as part of her Internews training.

Fostering Independent Media in the Middle East and North Africa

In this turbulent political period, people of the Middle East and North Africa need independent and professional media to help them sort fact from fiction and reality from rumor. For this to happen, news organizations need to place special emphasis on local news, to provide accurate, balanced, in-depth coverage of issues that truly make a difference in the day-to-day lives of residents. Such news and analysis helps citizens to participate in the civic life of their communities and to hold their elected leaders accountable. 

Internews has experience in training journalists from eleven countries of the Middle East and North Africa. The goal of Internews' projects in the region is to enhance the impact and the sustainability of independent media in states moving towards reform.

In a region where over 50% of the population is under the age of 30, Internews focuses much of its program work on youth. In February 2007, Jordan's first student-run radio station officially opened at Yarmouk University in Irbid, Jordan. Developed by Internews in partnership with Western Kentucky University and Yarmouk University, Yarmouk FM reaches about one million people. Students gain invaluable real-life experience in radio journalism by producing a daily two-hour broadcast of news and music for their region.

Internews MENA Two members of Autostrad, a youth radio production unit in Jordan, which give young Jordanians hands-on experience in radio journalism.

Gender equality is also given importance throughout Internews' programs in the region, with special efforts to include a high proportion of female journalists in training activities.

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 training a new generation of journalists in the Arab world, to catalyzing radio call-in programs in India and Africa 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.

Jeanne Bourgault is Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice-President for Programs