Media & Information

To help engage civil society in the public sphere, the Middle East & North Africa Initiative works to promote free and independent media as well as the ability of citizens to openly exchange information. The initiative seeks to empower and protect journalists and citizens in exercising their right to freedom of expression, and to support the development of new forms of media, such as on the Internet, that allow people to circumvent the tight government controls currently imposed on news and information in the region.

The Middle East & North Africa Initiative supports capacity building for independent electronic and print media, while also working to stimulate the exchange of knowledge and know-how within and from outside the region. The initiative collaborates closely with the Open Society Institute Media Program to support independent, quality journalism and to establish an environment favorable to the survival and development of free and responsible media. To this end, the Open Society Institute supports organizations and projects that champion freedom of expression; defend the rights of journalists; establish strong, independent professional organizations; and raise the professionalism of journalists and media managers.

The initiative also works with the Open Society Institute Information Program to promote equitable deployment of knowledge and communication resources to civil society actors by providing access to content, tools, technical skills, and networks for civic empowerment.