DRL Strengthening Independent Media in the East Asia and Pacific Region

Background
The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) is announcing an open competition for a project to strengthen independent media’s ability to increase access to objective and quality information in the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region. The goal of this project is to support the independence of regional journalists and media outlets to increase access to information within the domestic and regional media ecosystems.

Grant Details
Independent media outlets and journalists in the EAP region are facing an increasingly restrictive environment, with governments and malign actors seeking to tighten control over available information and public discourse. The project seeks proposals that will provide financial and technical assistance to small and medium-sized media outlets to strengthen their ability to safely produce and disseminate accurate information. Illustrative project activities could include enhancing independent journalists and media outlets’ ability to produce timely, ethical, and fact-based reporting.

Strengthening civil society and journalist's ability to identify mis- and disinformation narratives.

Supporting existing efforts used by local journalists to share credible information with regional audiences.

Developing business development strategies for media outlets.

Providing digital and physical security training, psychosocial support, and legal aid to journalists.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernmental organizations (NGO) and public international organizations; private, public, or state institutions of higher education; and for-profit organizations or businesses. DRL’s preference is to work with non-profit entities; however, there may be occasions when a for-profit entity is best suited.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for the contract is 18-24 months.

Grant Value
The total funding floor is $100,000 with a ceiling of $200,000. Anticipated number of awards is 2. DRL anticipates awarding either a grant or cooperative agreement depending on the needs and risk factors of the program.