The Media Missionaries

1. INTRODUCTION

This scoping paper maps the myriad American efforts to develop and support journalism capacity around the globe, with fellowships, exchanges, training, grants, loans, equipment, infrastructure, staff, conferences and other means. This study, commissioned by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, tries to identify where much of the money has been going and what some of the "lessons learned" are after a decade of such work. Ongoing news about global media development is tracked by the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) on its IJNet website, with funding from the Open Society Institute, the Freedom Forum and the McCormick Tribune Foundation. This report also includes a regional analysis, with contact information for some key media development organizations and individuals in each region.

Given the quick turn-around needed for this report, it necessarily reflects journalistic, rather than scholarly, research and analysis. This study should be seen as a quick overview that will need updating over time. A partial list of individuals interviewed for this report is appended. Some asked not to be listed by name, however most were willing to go on the record with their comments since they believe this is good journalism practice. The author is grateful to everyone who took the time and effort to answer questions. Crucial research support was provided by Charlie Costanzo of TRAC, (1) Whayne Dillehay of ICFJ, Monroe Price of the Programme in Comparative Media Law & Policy at Oxford University, Mark Hallett of McCormick Tribune Foundation, Joan Mower of the Freedom Forum, Ed Baumeister of IREX, Gordana Jankovic and Bill Siemering of OSI (Soros), CPJ's Attacks on the Press in 2001, and David Hoffman and his many regional directors and international managers at Internews. Carole Lee provided invaluable production assistance and Margaret Fleming Glennon designed the final report.