Program News

Enfomasyon Nou Dwe Konnen by Internews Celebrates Its 100th Edition and Launched its Website

(June 4, 2010) On January 21, just days after the Earthquake hit Haiti, Internews, with the support of OCHA and USAID, put in place a Haitian media support unit with a daily 15-20 minute radio program called Enfomasyon Nou Dwe Konnen (News You Can Use). ENDK is pre-recorded and then sent to radio stations from the metropolitan area.  June 1 marked its 100th anniversary.

According to Stéphanie Armand, Journalist Advisor, “So long as ENDK remains essential to the population, completing the local media daily news reporting, then we know we’ve reached our goal.”

ENDK, is the recently launched website whose objective is to facilitate access to information developed by Enfomasyon Nou Dwe Konnen directed to the media, whether they are located in Port-au-Prince or outside the capital.  ENDK on the web features daily summaries and articles in Creole.  It also offers the option for any radio station to download its text content and audio and customize them to fit its own needs. Finally it offers easy access to all its practical sections and topics. ”The ENDK website is an asset that can ultimately improve living conditions of the affected communities thanks to useful accessible information,” says Karl Foster Candio, Editor in Chief.

The newsroom is composed of ten to twelve local journalists and technicians who work on a daily basis on the implementation of the Enfomasyon Nou Dwe Konnen program and on two weekend “best-of” programs – a selection of 5 stories. The site also features a Weekly Mailbox: a choice of the most relevant questions addressed during the week. Additionally, three new sections have expanded the program: tips for better living in one’s community, new administrative addresses to facilitate access to public services and finally, last-minute breaking news (event or news) which can further be developed in the next ENDK program.

A total of 26 radio stations, including 24 in the metropolitan area, broadcast ENDK. "Thanks to our field studies, we know that 66% of men and 56% of women surveyed, listen to the program of whom, 20% do so on a daily basis,” said Jennifer Mandel, Research, Monitoring and Assessment Director.

“The phone survey that we conduct indicates that 68 out of 70 people surveyed are extremely satisfied with the program,” adds Louisena Louis, researcher.

In Haiti, Internews employs approximately 30 people, nearly half of whom are in training. Internews has been working in Haiti since the earthquake, with support from USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Pierre and Pamela Omidyar Fund, the Arca Foundation, and individual donors.

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