Information instead of propaganda – Mission statement

Preamble

In the world of modern communication, media are the means and tools to understand realities. Professional and independent media are vital for democratic societies and for conflict resolution. They provide information needed for citizen participationin democratic processes, give voice to the voiceless and hold authorities to account. In situations of conflict or crisis, independent information and professional communication are crucial to present facts, to address problems, and to facilitate common solutions.

medienhilfe’s vision is a world where everyone lives in a democratic society, with equal rights for all citizens and where freedom of expression is guaranteed and freely practised. Diversity and independence of the media are prerequisites for the development of such societies.

medienhilfe defends and promotes freedom of expression and freedom of media as well as the right to access information. We hold these to be fundamental human rights that represent important pillars of a democratic and open society.They are guaranteed by a number of international treaties, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in which Article 19 states:“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; the right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers.”

medienhilfe is a Swiss-based, non-governmental and non-profit (tax exempted) organization supporting independent media and professional journalism in countries and regions of conflict, post-war and post-conflict areas, and societies in transition.Its organization consists of the Assembly, the Steering Board, the Management Board, the external audit, program sections as well as the Advisory Council and the Expert Pool.The functions and responsibilities of the different bodies are laid down in the Charter of the organization and in the Rules of Engagement.medienhilfe works in close cooperation with international partners and affiliated groups.medienhilfe’s staff consists of professional and highly dedicated experts in different fields such as media, science and management. medienhilfe is committed to a working morale of strong teamwork and flat hierarchies.

medienhilfe pursues a long-term strategy based on partnership with the respective media outlets and organizations, help in achieving self-sustainability and cooperation with national and international partners and donors. medienhilfe realizes its support through two-year programs, adjusted on the basis of annual operational plans in order to keep up with political, social and media developments in the various countries and regions.

medienhilfe’s programs are based on the empowerment of indigenous initiatives and projects, to ensure that viable and competent media outlets with strategic importance in their country and region are able to continue their mission after donors exit the region.medienhilfe’s programs include a support for cross-border, country-wide, sub-regional and regional links between media outlets and for the development of program cooperation and functional networks, in order to strengthen the communication flow across ethnic and national boundaries. medienhilfe’s partners are quality mainstream or minority private media, whose reporting has a significant impact on the society and who fulfil the following criteria:

medienhilfe receives support from a broad range of Swiss and international donors, and manages its funds economically and efficiently. Appropriate controlling and auditing instruments, e.g. the annual financial report and the external audit, ensure economy and transparency.medienhilfe makes its annual financial reports available to the public and is accountable to its donors and partners.