Improved media coverage of ethnic and minority issues through training for editors and civic groups

The overall objective is to promote active citizen's participation and gender equality in the decision-making processes at the local level.

Specific objectives of this project are primarily related to minority and ethnic groups as well as local radio editors in seven cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Banja Luka, Zvornik, Bijeljina, Tuzla, Sapna, Travnik, Sarajevo

Project purpose is defined as following:

• To improve the skills and knowledge of local radio editors related to the positive role the media can play in counteracting discrimination and xenophobia as well as preventing conflict,
• To provide civic groups (minority and ethnic groups, civic organizations) with understanding of the media and how to use them to advance their cause,
• To promote the best practices of community groups in local media.

Direct target group:

- 6 editors in local radio stations (Radio KONTAKT, Banja Luka; Radio PAN Bijeljina; Radio OSVIT, Zvornik; Radio GLAS DRINE, Sapna; Radio EFM, Sarajevo; Radio TNT, Travnik)
- 84 representatives of civic sector (Minority -especially returnee- groups, women & youth organisations, other civic groups...)

Activities:

• Preparation and implementation of ‘Training for trainers' for local radio editors

• Preparation and implementation of Workshops for community leaders (representative of minority groups, women and youth associations, environmental groups, other civic groups)

• Promotion of Best Practices

Expected results:

At the end of this project, the editors in 6 local radio stations will:
• adopt skills and knowledge in basic principles of addressing community needs through audience research methods
• be educated for trainers and able to create any kind of in-house training for its media house
• adopt skills and knowledge about public advocacy and community radio managements
• be aware of important of strategic cooperation with representatives of minority groups & other civic groups
• be in position to share experience with others in local radio stations
• be in position to share idea of community media to others offering them possibility to raise its voice through media
• increase its professional capacities to cover minorities and ethnic issues
• be able to transfer knowledge on best use of media to other community groups

At the end of this project, leaders/representatives of minority groups, returnees, people with disability will:
• Understand how media works and how to use them for its best practises
• Know media decisions makers by name and function, which will contribute to their confidence
• Be educated in basic principles of media presentation (reporting and interview)
• Be educated in basic principles of public advocacy
• Be more confident in raising their voices
• Be more frequently in media
• Be sure that media will accept their contribution in program design
• Have sense of ‘community ownership' over radio