Media: The Bridge - Mercy Corps Civil Society Newsletter

Published by Mercy Corps, this April 2003 issue of "The Bridge" newsletter titled "The Media" examines media in the context of how it can be used as a tool to help NGOs put civil society principles into action. According to Mara Galaty, Director of Civil Society at Mercy Corps, "access to accurate and timely information enables more effective participation of people with whom we work in decisions that affect their lives. Responsible journalism helps reinforce accountable behavior in society."

As Mercy Corps strives to use media as a stakeholder, their programmes work to collaborate with media resources in order to produce public service announcements (PSAs), educated and trained journalists to more capably write about development issues, and even provide grants to media organisations to get actively involved in development efforts.

"Media can manifest itself in many ways - print, radio, television, the Internet", writes Ms. Galaty. "Media as an active stakeholder or an implementing partner can open the door to new opportunity and improved impact. This is an opportunity to spread a message, to reach broader audiences, to increase participation and to promote accountability. Informed people can discuss social problems and lay the groundwork for more peaceful change in their countries."

Among other topics, "The Media" issue provides a primer to "Making the Most of Media", recounts Mercy Corps' media experience during their funding campaign, and includes a draft of the Mercy Corps' communications strategy regarding the implementation of a new project.

"The Bridge" is a newsletter magazine produced by Mercy Corps to examine issues related to civil society and development.

Click here to read the full newlsetter online.