MedMedia Project Launches Dynamic Web Portal

A dynamic new web portal aimed at tracking the progress of media reforms in the Southern Mediterranean Region was launched today. The MedMedia Portal, developed as part of the EU-funded MedMedia project, a consortium which includes the IFJ, aims to become a “one-stop shop” for information and resources relating to media law, regulation, union activity and public service broadcasting in the region. Published in Arabic, English and French, the website includes a digital library which offers a wealth of source and research material on media with a focus on reform in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, Israel and Lebanon. Activities organised in the framework of the MedMedia project will be announced and highlighted in an events section, whilst an integrated social media platform will provide users with an interactive platform for discussion around key issues addressed during these events. The MedMedia project works to forge links between the institutions and individuals tasked with enacting media reforms in the partner countries, and build strong partnerships around existing initiatives. The Portal maps this network and introduces MedMedia’s key stakeholders groups. It will also channel the latest news about media reform developments across the region, monitoring change in the media landscape and offering quality commentary on breakthroughs. This service is thought to be unique in the Arab world and will enable policy-makers to examine the experience of their counterparts in comparable environments and make informed decisions on this basis. This process will be underpinned by a peer-to-peer programme aimed at pairing institutions on both shores of the Mediterranean and facilitating an exchange of experience. The programme’s results will also be showcased on the MedMedia Portal as the project unfolds. Background notes: • The EU funded Med Media project aims to create an enabling environment for media reforms in the Southern Mediterranean region. It is part of the EUR 17 million EU programme “Media and culture for development in the Southern Mediterranean” which aims at supporting the media and culture reform processes in the region. MedMedia will focus on media legislation, regulation, programming, strategy and leadership with a view to helping state media fulfil their public service mandate and compete with the commercial sector. It will also work to build public trust by strengthening the media’s role as an independent watchdog and a forum for democratic debate. • The project is being implemented by a consortium led by BBC Media Action and comprising the International Federation of Journalists, the Federation of Arab Journalists, IREX Europe, the Blanquerna School of Communication and the Jordan Media Institute. • The project is funded under the European Neighborhood Partnership Instrument. Started in January 2014, it will run for a period of four years. MedMedia keeps you informed through social networking: Follow the Med Media project on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to stay up to date with project news and events. Visit: http://www.med-media.eu/