2021 Media Development in a Democratic Framework

Deadline: 01-Aug-21

The International Training Programme (ITP) Media is currently inviting applications for the 2021 Media Development in a Democratic Framework to provide a forum and platform for constructive, creative dialogue between high-level representatives from media, government and civil society on how to improve self-regulatory and regulatory frameworks for media.

• The participants and their supporting organisations should contribute to the promotion and protection of the institutional frameworks that govern self-regulation of the media sector.
• To contribute to the development of self-regulatory frameworks for the media sector, strengthening the institutional and organisational capacities among relevant stakeholders.
• To contribute to national reform and change processes.

• Increase knowledge about media and freedom of expression in relation to media policy, journalism and self-regulation of the media sector.
• Extended professional national, regional and international networks.
• Greater awareness of human rights, gender equality and security for journalists and other media actors.
• Increase knowledge and capacity to initiate structured, long-term transformation work within and outside the respective organisations.

• Phase 1: September – November 2021
  • Country teams are established and meet for a start-up seminar in their respective countries. During this seminar, the participants establish a common understanding of the challenges in their country and the overall change theory. Based on that analysis, a brief baseline study is elaborated. With support from the national facilitators, the participants develop the first concept of what the Change Initiative connected to challenges could entail. During the inception phase, the participants have to pass a compulsory online course, with the purpose of providing a common understanding and knowledge base to build on. The course is composed of online lectures, supporting literature, seminar questions as well as a number of quizzes and tests. The online course covers the following topics:
    • media and freedom of speech with a focus on human rights and democracy;
    • media politics;
    • journalism;
    • self-regulatory institutions
  • The remaining part of the training programme focuses on how to ignite and manage processes of change within the area of media regulation.
• Phase 2: December 2021 – February 2022 – In this phase, the participants will engage in a series of webinars covering the different aforementioned priority themes/topics. The Change Initiative is further discussed and adjusted, an action plan is formulated and implementation begins. Activities are expected to vary substantially between different participants, organisations and countries. The programme bolsters the process through regular contacts with the national facilitators, meetings in country teams as well as through support from the programme management and the thematic mentors. Collaboration between the participants is encouraged.
• Phase 3: Reginal meeting, one week in February 2022 – Participants exchange experiences of implementeing their Change Initiatives. The participants further elaborate and adjust their action plans. Peer reviews and group discussions among the participants and support from the national facilitators carry the process forward. Additonal theory and trainings are provided, as well as field trips and case studies within the regional / local context.
• Phase 4: March – June 2022 – The participants implement their Change Initiatives in collaboration with colleagues and supervisors in their organisations or / and in collaboration with other stakeholders. Continuous thematic mentor support is provided. During phases 1-4 any work on the Change Initiative is carried out as part of the participant’s ordinary working time. Thus, it is essential that the participant’s supervisor allocates and approves such time.
• Phase 5: July – Septmeber 2022 – Participants travel to Sweden – and possibly also to Denmark – for an intensive programme of interactive discussions, study visits, exercises and skills development, covering all four aforementioned priority themes / topics. All participants are expected to share their own expertise and experiences with their peers.

• The programme targets individuals who can promote standards of self-regulation of the media sector in the respective countries in different ways. The programme management will identify strategically important participants from the media sector, such as media councils, judicial institutions, independent freedom of speech organisations, policy institutions, relevant ministries, parliamentary committees, and independent media outlets.
• Although it focuses on individuals, the programme is primarily targeting organisations and efforts are made to establish long-term relationships with the key organisations involved. Such collaborative organisations should be willing to commit themselves to participation over several years and be ready to cooperate with other organisations in the programme, even though they may have different opinions on regulatory frameworks. Capacity and interest to drive processes to achieve long-term goals is a prerequisite to become a collaborative organisation.
• Applicants to the programme should:
  • hold a key position in their organisation, with influence on a strategic level
  • have the drive and power to initiate and drive change processes
  • hold a relevant academic degree
  • be available and motivated for active participation throughout the whole programme
• As they strive to obtain a gender balance in the programme, organisations are strongly encouraged to nominate female candidates.

• The training programme will be conducted in English and good English skills, both orally and in writing, are required. French skills are desirable, but not required.
• Candidates from countries where English is not an official language should do a language test with an official body in the home country, unless other documentation to support the participant’s ability can be provided.
• Considering that the training programme consists of international travel and work away from home in a new environment, good health and full working capacity is necessary. It is therefore recommended that candidates undergo a medical examination before completing the Medical Statement in the application form.
• Since much of the programme communication is done by e-mail, the applicant must have a well-functioning e-mail address, be an active user of e-mail and have regular, reliable access to the internet.