Independent media promoting democracy, pluralism, and social inclusion will receive support through a new initiative implemented by Open Society Institute – Sofia in partnership with ProMedia and the Brussels-based organization European Citizens Action Service.
The initiative, titled “Media Resilience: Nurturing Quality News Journalism,” aims to strengthen a free, diverse, and pluralistic news media landscape while promoting quality journalism. It will focus on enhancing media outreach to the most vulnerable groups in society susceptible to disinformation. The initiative will be implemented in five EU countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, and Slovenia. This effort comes amid growing challenges facing EU countries regarding media freedom, the quality of democracy, and resilience to disinformation.
The initiative has a total budget of over 2.2 million euros and is co-financed by the EU through the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) under the Creative Europe (CREA) program.
The initiative will last for two years and includes: 1) a funding scheme for media entities and investigative journalism; and 2) capacity building to enhance knowledge and skills for promoting democracy and civic engagement in an ever-changing and challenging media landscape, encompassing technological, economic, and legal aspects. The main target groups for re-granting and capacity building will be independent media entities working to promote democracy, pluralism, social inclusion, human rights, media literacy, intercultural dialogue, EU values, and to hold decision-makers accountable. The initiative will also 3) inform and engage stakeholders and key audiences in the selected countries and across the EU about its results, knowledge, and lessons learned. Additionally, it will foster collaboration and shared learning through a repository of case studies and best practices.
Approximately 30 media organizations are expected to receive direct support, with amounts of up to 60,000 euros each. About 300 journalists and approximately 400 event participants will benefit from the project’s outcomes. A minimum of 10% of the project’s budget for re-granting will be directed toward supporting investigative journalism, and at least 30% will be allocated to local, regional, and community media addressing key democratic issues. The call for project proposals is anticipated to be announced in the first quarter of next year, with supported projects lasting up to 12 months.
Overall, the initiative aims to empower target groups to resist fake news, enhance access to quality journalism and information, restore and increase trust in media, and contribute to the reduction of polarization in society.
The initiative and the support opportunities it provides will be presented in a series of publications, informational events, and webinars in the coming months.
