For Immediate Release
Press Release
The Media Innovation project, jointly financed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Swedish International Development and Cooperation Agency (SIDA) officially started its activities by selecting the first cohort of organisations whose development will be supported using the advantages of the digital evolution and the wave of innovation spreading through Serbia’s independent information ecosystem.
With a special focus on financial sustainability, Media Innovation will, in the next five years, work with the most committed actors from the media communications sector and those with a desire to take their organisation to the next level – innovative market-ready businesses with strong leadership, a development strategy and investment potential.
The ceremonial launch of the five year project was held in Belgrade where selected organizations had the opportunity to showcase their development plans. The event gathered more than 50 guests from a variety of sectors – journalists, editors, media, business experts, managers and representatives of financial, ICT and developmental industries.
’’The United States and Sweden jointly support the Mediji.Inovacije project, because we both strongly believe in the importance of freedom of speech and free access to accurate information for the public. A better access to correct information through various platforms and sources is of key importance for Serbian citizens to make key decisions for their lives, using this information, in todays complex environment.“ – said USAID Mission Director Denny Robertson.
’’For us, this project brings a twist to the traditional way of delivering support to media. It amalgamates two equally important objectives of Swedish development cooperation in Serbia: to support competitive small and medium-sized enterprises and to help develop a free and independent media as key areas that jointly leverage democratic development. I believe that our high expectations of this project are indeed a reflection of the remarkable assortment of skills and capacities that our media partners bring to the table.“- said Karin McDonald, Counsellor at the Embassy of Sweden in Belgrade.
The Mediji.Inovacije project will support the enhancement of managerial, technical, business and financial capacities of selected partners and provide networking and partnership opportunities which, will serve as a catalyst for further development and market expansion, promote the use of digital technologies and enhance their access to financial resources and efficiency in their use.
The support provided by this project will be used to encourage the development of digital products and other services which can facilitate access to just and relevant information, critical thinking and digital skills necessary for navigating and participating the 21st century world of information.
