Deadline: February 25, 2024
Free Press Unlimited (FPU) is implementing a programme called “Core Support for Independent Media in the Southern Neighbourhood” with the support of the European Union from 2021 to 2026. The main objective of this programme is to provide comprehensive bespoke core support the pluralism, independence, and resilience of the media sector in the Southern Neighbourhood to withstand existing threats.
The overall strategy of the programme aims to:
- Objective 1: improving sector capacities to safely produce and share more high-quality content within and outside the Southern Neighbourhood.
- Objective 2: improving business viability and resilience among the independent media outlets in the Southern Neighbourhood.
- Objective 3: strengthening existing regional networks to more efficiently convene communities of practice in the Southern Neighbourhood.
Activities
Prior to the digital safety scans, participants will enroll in at least 3 digital security modules via the online FPU Totem e-learning platform and receive completion certificates. The participants will benefit from a deep digital security scan from a digital security expert. Minimum 3 persons from each media outlet will be appointed (at least the safety focal point, one journalist, the editor in chief) and be mentored by the digital security expert.
Scans will be followed by a tailored action plan to increase digital safety. This includes for instance hands-on practical guidance; adopting security tools, other specific digital security questions, international digital security trends/developments, posting safely on social media, metadata on photos, protecting phones with basic security apps, placing secure phone calls, safe browsing. Etc.
Besides, the focal points from each media outlet will be part of a network (via email, Signal or another channel) where they will have the opportunity to share experiences, needs, challenges etc. in regard to digital security. Once a year, FPU will conduct an online meeting with the 9 focal points in order to collect and discuss their experiences, challenges etc. Result of this annual meeting will be the publication of a report compiling inputs from the focal points and proposition of solutions.
Selected media outlets will benefit from:
- 1 day of digital security scan
- Approx. one week of tailored trainings
Eligibility
Eligible organisations must fullfil the following criteria:
- Be established as a media outlet, with at least 3 years of experience in the media sector.
- Operating in one of the following countries: Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria.
- Comply with core journalism principles (fact-based, accurate, independent, fair, impartial, accountable, etc.).
- Show strong willingness to address security and safety challenges (e.g. setting up a security plan).
- Be able to dedicate some staff and time to the digital safety scan and trainings.
Priority will be given to media outlets experiencing urgent threats.
Application
Media outlets who are interested in building knowledge and practice in the field of digital security are invited to submit a questionnaire on their organisation mission and their safety and security situation. If you are interested into this programme, please send an email to [email protected] in order to request the questionnaire template.
Applications must be submitted in English or Arabic to [email protected] before February 25, 2024 11PM CET. The email sent must include in the Subject field “Digital safety training” and the questionnaire & note must be attached to the email.
For more information, visit Free Press Unlimited.
