Media Sector Development Activity (MSDA) Project

The specific objectives of MSDA were to:
 

• Strengthen the legal and regulatory environment for media;
• Support targeted media outlets to become more independent and professional; and
• Increase access to high-quality public interest reporting.

The project worked with a core group of 77 community radio stations and three online media outlets located in 17 provinces, and it operated from Internews offices in Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Goma, and Bukavu.

Activities included the following: 

Strengthening the legal and regulatory environment for media, which involved: 
 

• Supporting advocacy and legal activities for media reform;
• Organising media law information roundtable discussions and workshops;
• Informing the public on the state of freedom of information and expression;
• Building the capacity of the media to monitor and respond to press freedom violations;
• Providing legal assistance and protection of journalists; and
• Supporting trainings on digital security for journalists and media organisations.

Strengthening capacity in media production
With the objective of improving the quality of the production of public interest information, the project offered training to build the capacities of media professionals (journalists, editors, managers, technicians) to better understand audience information needs, improve content (e.g., through scriptwriting workshops), and better incorporate new technologies and digital platforms into their work. This work included the development of a comprehensive training and mentoring programme for female journalists. According to Internews, by using the new skills and techniques learned in their training and mentorship programmes, radio stations are better able to adapt programming priorities to the needs of local audiences. This activity has also resulted in increased  participation by local organisations and structures like schools and women's organisations.

Strengthening capacity in business skills and alternative revenue generation
The programme offered training and mentorship in business skills to improve media outlets' financial performance and to build sustainable business models that protect the independence of journalists. To increase advertising opportunities, MSDA held meetings between media operators and local entrepreneurs and business owners in order to establish relationships and create a better understanding of each other's work processes.

The MSDA also undertook training to create alternative revenue streams within partner organisations. Through a process of ideation and marketplace analysis, partner organisations were given an opportunity to develop business plans for alternative revenue generation. Successful applicants were awarded grants to realise their business plans. For example, Radiotélévision Fraternité (RTF) Bwena Muntu was awarded a grant to acquire a motorbikes to use for local transportation, a service that was inadequate in the community before. The bikes generate daily revenue and provide paid employment for their drivers. As part of the sustainability planning, a percentage of the revenue was set aside for future expansion and the purchase of more motorbikes in 2024. Another radio station, Radio/Télévision Rwanzururu, launched a cyber café to diversify its income sources and enhance independence. Following a media business training on creating business plans and generating alternative revenue, the station identified a need for a technology hub. The cyber café was launched and equipped with 10 computers and dedicated internet. Young people from the community are trained in the cyber café as a community service offered by the radio station.

Providing technical capacity strengthening
As part of the objective to make media organisations more independent and professional, the project sought to enhance the technical facilities of community radio stations through the procurement and installation of studio equipment and solar kits. According to Internews, this investment has created more reliable services, as community radios are less susceptible to equipment failure or power cuts. Transmitter upgrades have also led to increased reach, especially in underserved rural areas. This reach has, in turn, led to a growth in engagement and increased feedback. One of the radio stations, Radio Mwana, noted more suggestions on topics and content due to the higher listenership, which helps the station plan their programming activities and topics. 

Supporting the production of public service content
MSDA supported the production of inclusive, independent, and reliable public interest information on topics such as local governance, electoral processes, health, education, environment, gender-based violence, human trafficking, and the COVID-19 pandemic, with a strong focus on fighting disinformation and hate speech. The work involved:
 

• Awarding stipends to journalists to produce public interest stories, especially those focused on issues outside Kinshasa;
• Providing grants to support production and broadcasting of youth- and gender-focused content;
• Developing a specialised training programme on investigative journalism;
• Organising quarterly roundtable events with media, government officials, and moderate voices to discuss key public interest issues, which are also broadcast on radio;
• Supporting youth- and women-driven radio programmes that focus on youth and women's participation in governance and political processes;
• Developing a media literacy programme to empower women, youth and marginalised populations to become better consumers of media and more engaged citizens; and
• Expanding radio listener clubs to engage citizens in debates around grassroots issues. 
   

The programme also promoted the use of radio as a tool for local advocacy and community mobilisation. Local authorities can share information on how citizens can actively participate in local initiatives and projects, while regular radio shows highlight issues in communities and put pressure on those who are able to act or make decisions. For example, in November 2022, Canal Mont Sion, a community radio station in the mining village of Boya, began airing two weekly programmes: "Echo de la société civile" and "Mabi ki wetu". The first focused on the rights and obligations of local institutions and the local diamond mining company, while the second covered civic education on self-help and managing mining resources for local development. When Boya's main road was impassable due to erosion (causing high living costs for the community, as vehicles couldn't supply the village with food), Canal Mont Sion aired programmes urging local authorities to advocate for road repairs and to mobilise community efforts. As a result, the community took action and filled the potholes with sandbags.

Media Development, Governance, Health

The DRC has a challenging history, marked by colonial impact and influence, post-independence conflicts, and ongoing struggles for political stability and economic development. Ongoing rebel attacks and insurgency activity seek to undermine political stability in the DRC, while corruption and slow infrastructure development hinder economic prosperity. As a catalyst to address the complex challenges in government, the economy, and society, the media is seen as an essential tool in developing democracy by sharing information, uncovering truths, telling stories, and amplifying the voice of ordinary citizens.