# Challenges and perspectives for media support programs (Nov. '22)

**Organisers:** This seminar was part of the Sahafa Med project (funded by the EU) that is implemented by “Journalisme and Citizenship” NGO. It was organised in partnership with GFMD. 

**Participants:** 40+ donors, NGOs supporting media and journalists and implementing partners working with media outlets and journalists in the Southern Neighbourhood region.

**Location:** Brussels, Belgium. 

## Agenda

### **1. Journalists and Media needs, challenges and expectations:** 

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What are the needs and challenges in the daily activities of journalists and media in the Southern Neighborhood countries? 
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What are their expectations regarding international support? 
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This session included:

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A presentation of the GFMD IMPACT initiative to [renew the principles for effective media development](https://impact.gfmd.info/activities-services/mediadev-principles).
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There were also three presentations by Sahafa Med correspondents.
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### 2. Obstacles, opportunities and innovation for media support initiatives:&#x20;

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What are the main obstacles to the development and implementation of media support programs and initiatives?&#x20;
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How to tackle these obstacles? Can Media support programs be innovative to be more efficient?
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This session included:

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A presentation of “Media Accountability” in the MENA region study by Erich Brost institute.&#x20;
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Three presentations by Sahafa Med correspondents.
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### 3. Coordination between donors and implementers:&#x20;

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What are the success stories and the challenges?&#x20;
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How can coordination between donors and implementers be improved?
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**This session included:**&#x20;

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Presentation of findings and recommendations from the GFMD IMPACT report: [“Coordinating Media Assistance and Journalism Support Efforts”](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LHW6v9902cuvZ6-ir7cJJTjW1p2Q0Npg/edit?usp=sharing\&ouid=104077476631863222969\&rtpof=true\&sd=true)&#x20;
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Presentation of the key findings from the GFMD / Samir Kassir Foundation’s SKeyes Centre for Media and Cultural Freedom report: [“The Funding Landscape for Media Development Actors in Lebanon”](https://www.skeyesmedia.org/en/News/Reports/15-02-2022/9874).&#x20;
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Presentation by three Sahafa Med correspondents.&#x20;
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## Breakout groups

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In the afternoon, participants broke into three groups to discuss the topics in more detail and to provide recommendations to donors and implenting organisations.
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A report will be published collating the outcomes.&#x20;
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