The Role of the Media in Countering Violent Extremism

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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Algiers seeks to organize a regional workshop in Algiers for journalists from Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Senegal on the role of the media in countering violent extremism. The workshop will apply lessons from a Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Manual for journalists, written by an experienced bi-lingual journalist-researcher (and designated sub-grantee). Program Objectives: This NOFO seeks to increase the knowledge, capacity, and effectiveness of media in the targeted countries (particularly in remote areas) to counter extremist narratives and messaging and avoid feeding into terrorist propaganda. The U.S. Embassy Algiers Public Affairs Section funded production of a first-of-its-kind CVE Journalism Manual – in English, Arabic, and French – for Algeria, which Algerian participants will draw on to share their experience during the regional workshop. An experienced journalist-researcher researched and wrote the manual in collaboration with Algerian counterparts. In order to maintain consistency on the manual and approach, applicants will be required to work with the original content developer and should include a place-holder $20,000 consultant fee, not including travel expenses, in their proposed budget. Additional details will be furnished to the selected recipient prior to award. The proposed consultant is prepared to work with any selected implementer. The author of the manual is a designated sub-awardee who will assist with workshop content and facilitate workshop sessions and may draw on relevant lessons from the manual and its creation process. The award recipient will host a workshop for regional journalists from Algeria, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, and Senegal to exchange experiences. Up to three journalists from each country may be included in this pilot workshop. The purpose of the workshop is: (1) to bring together Maghreb and Sahel journalists to exchange experiences among participants (giving Algerian participants the chance to draw from their manual), (2) to train participants on universal good practices for journalists such as personal safety and protecting sources, (3) to explore building blocks for their own CVE manuals. The workshop will include hands-on activities challenging participants to brainstorm ideas for stories that could counter extremist narratives in their respective areas. Follow-on workshops in each of the participating countries would expand upon the training of key principles with additional participants and further explore how to tailor reporting to address local conditions with the goal of producing an article, a broadcast or show. Participants and Audiences:  Journalists  CVE experts  Civil society representatives

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