Strengthening Independent Media in Moldova

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DRL invites organizations to submit proposals outlining program concepts and capacity to manage a project targeting the following issue:MoldovaStrengthening Independent Media in Moldova (approximately $394,000 available): DRL's objective is to increase citizens' access to objective information about domestic and global issues of public importance by enhancing independent media’s ability to reach a larger print and online readership in Moldova. In order to strengthen Moldovan independent media and create links between journalists and the communities they serve, DRL seeks program proposals that will raise the quality of local media, increase the Moldovan public’s access to reliable and unbiased information and to create platforms and opportunities for discussions on important issues affecting Moldovan citizens. The program should put particular emphasis on targeting rural populations and youth, especially Russian-language speakers, as well as other popul ations in Moldova that have limited access to independent information. In particular, activities should work to increase the circulations and readerships as well as the online audiences of independent media sources that cover global and national social and political developments. Specific activities could include supporting the production of unbiased media content, providing balanced coverage of democratic development and the EU Association Agreement; targeted trainings and consultancy to improve independent media outlets’ quality, distribution, and financial independence; introducing social media and web-based vehicles for developing and strengthening ties between media outlets and their local communities; and supporting local publishers and broadcasters to find creative ways of using web-based media tools to increase readership and develop a vibrant online presence. DEADLINE AND TECHNICAL ELIGIBILITYPlease refer directly to DRL’s posted Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI), updated in November 2012, available at http://www.state.gov/j/drl/p/c12302.htm. Faxed, couriered, or emailed documents will not be accepted at any time. Applicants must follow all formatting instructions in this document and the Proposal Submission Instructions (PSI). To ensure all applications receive a balanced evaluation, the DRL Review Committee will review the first page of the requested section up to the page limit and no further. DRL encourages organizations to use the given space effectively.An organization may submit no more than one [1] proposal. Proposals that combine target countries and/or themes will be deemed technically ineligible. Proposals that request less than the award floor ($300,000) or more than the award ceiling ($394,000) may be deemed technically ineligible.

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