Media Fund - Support to Professional Media development in Serbia
Under its overall programme for 2005-2006 the EU has allocated 1,8 million euros for the professional development of media in Serbia. This amount will be made available through the so-called Media Fund, a special grant-making programme with the overall objective to contribute to the sustainable development of the Serbian media sector in line with the best European practices. Starting from March 2006 the current Media Fund is expected to be implemented over a period of 24 months.
Technical management of the fund has been assigned to Press Now following a tender that was held in 2005. Press Now has been actively engaged in media support in Serbia since 1993. Over the years Press Now has acquired an in-depth knowledge of the local media landscape and its development. During 2001 and 2002 Press Now also managed two earlier media projects in co-operation with the European Agency.
The current Media Fund specifically aims to enhance the quality of programming, production and investigative reporting. Grants will range from minimum 50.000 to maximum 150.000 euros for projects that will last up to 12 months. Media operators from the EU member or beneficiary countries of the Cards programme will be eligible to apply.
