Georgian Media Partnership Program

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I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia is pleased to announce an open competition for a Georgian Media Partnership Program. U.S. non-profit/non-governmental organizations may submit proposals to manage eighteen month long project to strengthen Georgian media by fostering long-term relationships between selected American media outlets and Georgian media outlets of similar size in similar demographic communities, and between the individual professionals that work at each outlet. The means for achieving this objective may include internships, on-the-job trainings, exchanges in directions, electronic interactions and intensive consultations. PAS will award approximately $300,000 for eighteen month long project (with possible extensions), seeking to develop a partnership with one or two Georgian national TV broadcasters under this program. The grantee should work closely with the Public Affairs Section throughout the grant period to identify the Georgian media outlets to be partnered with the American media outlets selected by the applicant. II. BACKGROUND Independent media professionals play a critical role in ensuring the free flow of information necessary to develop and maintain democratic systems. Notwithstanding the relatively quick and smooth development of independent Georgian media in the post-Soviet era, the local media space still faces a number of constraints based on changing political situation, and the lack of professional journalistic standards among reporters and editors. Professional standards of media organizations and journalists is not satisfactory, there is shortage of editorials and analytical stories. A number of channels being controlled by individuals close to political forces of the new and old governments indicate that television will remain highly politicized in Georgia where 90% of population uses TV as the main source of information. At the end of 2015 Georgian broadcasters are expected to switch over to the digital broadcasting. III. Funding Priorities The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia seeks to fund a creative U.S. non-profit/non-governmental organization with prior experience in similar projects. In-kind financial contributions will be favorably considered.

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