MEDIA PROGRAM

In 2004-2005 the Media program will have the following major components: (1), improving quality of information provided by media, especially during election campaign; 2), institutionalizing successful pilot projects, (3), nationwide access to pluralistic content. Media policy issues will be addressed under the Open Society Forum Program. Brand name TV and radio programs will be launched to foster open and hot discussion of journalism professional issues to broaden public awareness on understanding of the role and importance of the media.

Program goal:
The goal of the Media program is to assist ensuring the role of the media in democratic society as a factual, objective and balanced information provider and as a public watchdog.

Strategic objectives:
- To promote raising professional standards in journalism through building capacity of the media training organizations, assistance in the development of professional code of conduct and networking with international media organizations
- Support creation of a public service broadcasting which provides citizens with the factual objective and balanced information nationwide and assist in adoption of Law on National Public Radio and Television which meets international standards of the public broadcasting.
- Continue creating of series of brand name TV programs within Open Society Forum program to address policy related issues.

Expected outcomes:
- Increased number of media organizations adopted professional code of conduct
- Incorporated efforts towards adopting the law on National Public Radio and Television
- Series of TV programs are conducted within Open Society Forum program to discuss key policy related issues
- Ways to provide public with objective, balanced and factual information during the election campaign are broadly discussed during roundtable meeting with media, civil society and governmental organizations and follow up activities on outcomes are encouraged
- First practice-oriented journalism school will be established and follow new standards that reflecting modern style of journalism
- Quality of programming of seven local radio stations will be improved through professional trainings and consultancy
- Networking and programming exchange among rural stations as well with the sister stations in US and other countries established