Title

Establishing of a media resource centre (Bishkek)

Approval date

1994 December 1998

Total budget $

82,734

Budget code

PDC/14 KIZ/01 352 KIZ 41

Source

IPDC

Objectives

To establish a resource center for training activities.
To provide the small, independent media with access to computerized equipment.
To provide modern facilities at the resources and the library to assist in the development of craft-skills.

Activities

Building renovation and refurbishing completed. DTP equipment, satellite receiving facilities, video production facilities, reference books and material for the center provided. Regional seminar on "Management of Print Media" and "Media legislation" were organized and held. Training activities have been on-going since May 1995. Consultancy for center management provided. (under KYR/94/005). A regular Newsletter is published. Since September, 1997, the "Centre for Women in Media of Central Asia (WIMCA)" is located at the MRC in Bishkek, and several workshops, seminars and training for women journalists have been hold at the MRC.

Funds obligated

84,436

Implementation rate
& Remarks

102%. MRC is the only facility of its kind in Central Asia. It was opened on 24 May 1995 by the President of the Republic, Mr Askar Akaev, in the presence of the Vice-Prime Minister and of five other Ministers.
A number media training activities in the centre were carried out under the UNDP project "Media in a Period of Reforms..." (KYR/94/005).
With additional support from USIS ( $ 60,000), a similar Centre has been established in Osh, which conducts training activities in coordination with the MRC in Bishkek.
Support is also provided from the UNESCO Regular Programme activities.
Evaluation due.

Project officers

Hadlow and Jayaweera

Title

Development of Independent Radio Stations.

Approval date

1995 December 1998

Total budget $

77,000

Budget code

IPDC/15 KIZ/01 352KIZ51

Source

IPDC

Objectives

To assist the development of independent and pluralist mass media In Central Asia.
To promote Independent radio broadcasting in Kyrgyz Republic.

Activities

"Radio Almaz", "Radio Pyramida" and "MCN" were studio equipment to strengthen their production capability.

Funds obligated

72,979

Implementation rate
& Remarks

95%. The project is completed and ready for evaluation.

Project officers

Hadlow and Jayaweera

Title

Media in a period of reforms and transition.

Approval date

1994 December 1998

Total budget $

528, 000 (UNDP: 308,000 and UNFPA: 220,000 )

Budget code

KYR 94 005

Source

UNDP & UNFPA (cost-sharing)

Objectives

To improve media standards in the transition process and reporting on developmental and social issues.
To strengthen the financial viability of media operations.
To improve the understanding among government officials about the positive role of media pluralism and the principles of its independent.
To establish a financial reporting unit in news agency.
To increase the news-output of independent media on finance and reforms.

Activities

More than 200 media practitioners attended skills-based and theoretical training courses on DTP and specialized reporting such as finance/business, travel writing, environment, drugs, population, family planning and on media management and ethical issues, held at the Bishkek MRC. Under UNFPA auspices, a study on attitudes to media messages was carried out. Newsroom of the Kyrgiz National radio and Television Company was refurbished, modernized with equipment. A contract with REUTER for news/photo service negotiated Training consultancy was provided to improve the news operation and management. Technical Support was provided to launch weekly TV business programme and to produce programmes on social, health and population issues. ooo ooo Equipment and training support were provided to the Radio, to produce innovative social documentaries and talk-back programmes Consultancy was provided to National News Agency KABAR to train the staff and to establish a institutional development plan. Ongoing English language training courses for media professionals established.

Funds obligated

526,000

Implementation rate
& Remarks

99,6%. Government: The initiation of Govt. officials to potentially positive role of media in the reform process has been the least effective aspect of the project. The participation has been very low.
Implementation delays occurred due to changes in management and subsequently in personnel.
Private media: Journalists from the private press, radio and TV have actively participated in many training programmes. Considerable benefits have been achieved by the independent media through this process.
The project is ready for evaluation.

Project officers

Hadlow and Jayaweera

Title

Media training at the Kyrgyz National University.

Approval date

1996 December 1998

Total budget $

60,000

Budget code

IPDC/16KIZ/01 352 KIZ 61

Source

IPDC

Objectives

To improve the standard of journalism in the Kyrgyz Republic. To support the ongoing development of a free press environment in the country.
To develop a pool of skilled mass media practitioners for the independent electronic and print media.

Activities

DTP- Computer equipment purchased and installed; training provided in various craft skills. TV studio and radio studio installed, and DTP training underway.

Funds obligated

54, 575

Implementation rate
& Remarks

91%. Project completed. o Evaluation pending.

Project officers

Hadlow and Jayaweera

Title

Journalism training in media resources centers in Bishkek and Osh

Approval date

1996

Total budget $

35,000

Budget code

IPDC/18 KIZ/01

Source

IPDC

Objectives

To upgrade the facilities at the Media Resource Centres in Bishkek and Osh.
To further train journalists in specialized fields.

Activities

Equipment purchased.

Funds obligated

21,700

Implementation rate
& Remarks

62%. Implementation in progress.

Project officers

Hadlow and Jayaweera