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| STRATEGY |
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Press Now offers structural support to independent media outlets and media (supporting) institutions that play an important role within the media landscape and political developments of their country or region. Media outlets and institutions are supported within long-term partnership relations that are based on close cooperation, equality, and trust, in which the ownership of the project lies with the partner. Projects are implemented with a combination of strategies, of which the exchange of expertise is the most important element. Characteristic for Press Now's support is the close involvement of the programme coordinators in each project.
Press Now provides print media and electronic media (TV, radio, and some internet media) with expert advice and technical assistance regarding journalistic skills, editorial policy, programming, strategy development, business plans, financial management, and cooperation within regional networks. In many projects specialised experts are involved; where possible, Press Now engages local trainers and consultants. Other intervention strategies include financial support, twinning, political lobbying and advocacy, public relations and communication, all aimed at independence and financial sustainability of the media outlet on the long run.
Apart from individual media outlets, Press Now also supports institutions that function in the professional interest of independent media. Press Now aims to improve the contribution of journalist associations, broadcasting councils, press councils, and news agencies to the promotion of free speech and access to public information, as well as the enforcement of legal and social norms.
Press Now also strives to improve the professional standards and quality of both journalism and editorial policy more in general, by investing in the development and improvement of domestic journalist education.
Furthermore, Press Now is involved in the complex process of transforming state-run TV and Radio channels into Public Service Broadcasters (PSB), which is currently taking place in many transition countries. This process is of immense importance for the media landscapes in those countries. Apart from supporting small projects that are crucial in the transformation towards PSB and thus stimulating the process, Press Now offers expert advice and acts as a mediator between the different parties involved.
In addition to structural support, Press Now offers emergency support to media outlets that play a crucial role in their environment, when their survival is threatened due to unforeseen events, political pressure or poor economy in conflict or post-conflict situations. Incidentally, Press Now might support special productions, when these serve specific purposes that fit Press Now's policy.
In The Netherlands Press Now has an important role in informing both the media and the general public about media developments in the countries of its partners, and the need for media support in the development of open, democratic civil societies. Press Now does this by means of public relations and communication strategies aimed at raising awareness, visibility, and public support - both in The Netherlands and internationally.
Press Now is structurally financed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Press Now also receives structural grants from the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the Beate Oestreicher Friedenswerke Foundation, the Haëlla Foundation, and the Foundation 'Democratie en Media' (Democracy and Media). In addition, Press Now receives project funding through the MATRA Social Transformation Programme for Central and Eastern Europe of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and from Dutch Embassies in the region, HIVOS and the foundation 'DOEN'. Furthermore, Press Now is supported by private donations from a group of 4000 loyal individuals. Press Now has also executed projects funded by the European Agency for Reconstruction in Belgrade, and facilitates the operation of the secretariat of the Media Task Force of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe.
Press Now coordinates its activities with other international (donor) organisations.
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