Deadline: 08-Aug-21
The U.S. Embassy Monrovia Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for individuals or small teams to submit applications to design and produce a bi-weekly (every two weeks) radio program in conjunction with PAS that explains and provides insights into the U.S. Embassy’s unique and diverse partnerships with the Liberian government and society. This grant provides funding for 14 radio programs in a 6-month period starting in September 2021.
The program supports the Embassy’s strategic goal of building on the foundation of historic ties and shared values between the United States and Liberia. It also supports the professionalization of local media. Ideal applicants are journalists and radio producers with some experience in radio production who have access to their own equipment. Professionals interested in building their portfolio are encouraged to apply.
Objectives
The program implementer will independently track down leads provided by PAS, arrange recording logistics, conduct interviews, edit recordings to create an engaging narrative, distribute the final product to radio stations, and track broadcast instances. Distribution should target at least 25 radio stations with a priority placed on rural community stations.
The objectives of the program will include:
- Communicate to the Liberian audience the impact of the myriad U.S. Embassy programs and projects implemented each year.
- Highlight Liberian individuals and organizations who are making a positive impact on Liberian society through their own work that is or was supported by the U.S. Embassy.
- Demonstrate the historic and ongoing relationship between the United States and Liberia that is based on shared values.
- Create a platform for individuals and communities who are not typically represented on Liberian radio.
The program is an extension of the Moving Forward Together (MFT) radio project. MFT is a weekly, 45-minute radio program hosted on ECOWAS Radio that showcases collaborative projects and topics important to both the U.S. Mission to Liberia and the Liberian public. The new format will alternate between typically live interview shows that feature U.S. Embassy staff speaking with their Liberian counterparts on ECOWAS Radio and pre-recorded shows that feature Liberians who were beneficiaries or participants in U.S. Embassy projects or programs.
- Award amounts: $40,000 maximum
- Length of performance period: 9 months
- Number of awards anticipated: 1 primary award
- Anticipated program start date: On or before September 30, 2021
Participants and Audiences
The priority audience for this project is the Liberian public radio audience, especially those in rural areas who may not receive regular exposure to U.S. Embassy activities.
- PAS Monrovia encourages applications from professional journalists or non-profit media organizations interested in radio production.
- For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.
For more information, visit https://lr.usembassy.gov/education-culture/funding-opportunities/