Where We Work

Middle East and North Africa

Internews’ innovative programs span the media sector, from basic journalism to online and investigative journalism trainings on telecommunications sector reform efforts. Teaming with local partners has allowed Internews to tailor programs uniquely suited to the regional needs.

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Egypt

Through a grant from USAID-Egypt, Internews Network is implementing an 18-month program aimed at inspiring the next generation of Egyptian citizens about the power of democracy and media. “Partners 2: Media and Youth for Community Participation” is a grassroots civic education and media project through which professors at Egyptian universities in the regions of Cairo, Minya, Alexandria, Mansoura, Aswan, Luxor and Port Said are being trained on the Project Citizen process by regional project coordinators. Print and radio journalism trainings are also being organized in each of the seven centers, as an important component of the total project. The combination of civic society and media trainings will give hundreds of teachers and thousands of students across the country the techniques and inspiration they need to get involved in shaping the future of Egyptian society. These same teachers and students will also be trained to mobilize the power of mass media on the themes of democracy and governance.

West Bank and Gaza

Through a grant from USAID-WBG, Internews Network is currently implementing “Aswatona: Independent Media Program for the West Bank and Gaza” through the project’s main office in Ramallah and in coordination with a satellite office in Gaza. The project aims to improve citizen awareness and involvement in community-level democracy and governance issues, as well as to increase the quantity and quality of local news, including local manifestations of broad themes such as rule of law, good governance, and corruption. To accomplish these important objectives, Internews Network is implementing a comprehensive broadcast media development program that includes business planning and management training, journalism trainings, focus groups, onsite consultancies, and a small grants program. In an effort to ensure the project’s overall positive impact, the Aswatona team works in close coordination with the local independent radio and television stations, as well as NGOs working towards improving local broadcast media throughout the West Bank and Gaza.

Lebanon

In Lebanon, Internews supports media and local NGOs working on media-related issues both inside and outside Beirut. The project includes a series of trainings for media professionals on business management and a small grants fund for organizations working towards reconciliation through media.

Through a grant from the US Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL), Internews Network will assist with building the business capacity of local independent media outlets and will engage local civil society NGOs in using media as a tool for reconciliation within their communities. The dual focus of the project will improve Lebanon’s local media sector, by using training and mentoring as tools for enhancing media sustainability.

Additionally, the small grants fund will serve to boost the cooperation between media and civil society to enhance reconciliation efforts at the local level.

Internews Network also oversees a small grants program in Lebanon, supporting local projects which focus on community reporting, youth involvement, online media tools, information technology, and media for development.

Behind the Scenes: Transparency in Lebanese Media Business Practices 2009 (right-click to save cover)

Promoting Peace and Reconciliation Through the Media

Yemen

To address gender inequalities in Yemen and bring women’s voices to the forefront, Internews Network is empowering Yemeni youth and media professionals to explore sensitive issues concerning gender, society, and human rights. 

In partnership with the Media Women’s Forum (MWF), Internews Network has held a series of town hall meetings across Yemen with local activists and media professionals to address these issues which do not receive much media attention. Through the project, “Yemeni Voices: Women and Youth in Support of Free Media,” Internews Network has created the first ever digital radio production unit in Yemen. Young people and professional journalists will be trained in radio production and the project will culminate with the creation production of 15 thirty-minute radio programs, which will be aired on national and mainstream media. The programs will be based on those issues which were raised in the town hall meetings.

Lifting the Voices of Yemen’s Women and Youth

Internews Partners in MENA