New Media Outreach Specialists: Banu Eksi Agustin Orengo Katherine Preftes Aarti Virani Anita Wahi Andres Zea Faculty Advisor: Sean Jacobs May 5, 2010
Liberia Pop: 4 million people 1980-2003: civil wars 2005: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Elections in Liberia Political Profile of Liberia Bicameral National Assembly President elected by popular vote, 6-year term 1997 and 2005 elections were free, fair and transparent Upcoming Elections Presidential and legislative elections in 2011 Opposition candidates (not yet formally listed ) Incumbent Ellen Johnson Sirleaf running for re-election First elections after political transition process of second civil war
Liberian Media Lack of funds, lack of capacity to report independently Censorship common, lawsuits major threat to journalists Technological challenges Radio broadcasting most effective Limited ability to reach outside of the capital Cell phones as potential news interface Alternative news sources welcomed, but must not be seen as foreign
Client PROJECT CO-CHAIRS Michael Keating Center for Democracy and Development (UMass-Boston) and The New School Ken Harper S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications KEY COMPONENTS Multi-format website (website directed at multiple constituencies) Cross training for Liberian and American institution project participants Multimedia content available to an array of outlets in Liberia and abroad Multi-media van Advertising Campaign PARTNERSHIPS Universities Media organizations Non-governmental organizations
Overview of Project Objectives 1. Develop website prototypes Headings, topics, purpose 2. Develop a needs assessment for Liberian media and journalists Journalists in Liberia Gauge experience covering elections 3. Develop a questionnaire on Liberian elections, media and politics Liberian Diaspora Focus group of Liberians in Staten Island
Proposed Website Template
Breakdown of Site Components Who Are We? Primer on Political Parties Elections 101 The Buzz (Op-Ed Section) Pressing Issues Diaspora Connection Email/Mobile Alerts
Potential Digital Partnerships Ushahidi.com
Journalist Needs Assessment Objective: gather information on the type of training journalists need in order to cover the elections One-month process Initial draft, client feedback, final product, send with cover letter
Journalist Needs Assessment Final result- questions regarding: Access to information Cooperation within the industry Sources of information Independence/objectivity
The Staten Island Liberian Community Park Hill/Clifton, Stapleton largest Liberian population outside of Liberia 6,000 8,000 immigrants Vibrant African community with businesses and shops Regular stop for visiting Liberian politicians and leaders Problems: poverty violence Illiteracy Former child soldiers
The Staten Island Liberian Community Community Discussion Saturday, April 17, 2010 Ruthie Ackerman of Ceasefire Liberia Community leaders and activists Purpose Findings: Media Internet Daily Enquirer, Frontpage Africa, Daily Observer, Analyst, All Africa Sources viewed as pro-government Best news sources are calls back home
The Staten Island Liberian Community Politics Mistrust of current administration Government corruption President Sirleaf and the Truth and Reconciliation Committee Media and opposition crackdown Impunity Voting for Liberians abroad US support The US and UN in the 2011 Elections
Lessons Learned Shifting Goals Adjusted deliverables to meet revised project requirements and take advantage of team s specific skill sets Communications Skills Improved communication between client and team Project & Team Management Worked as a group to develop a clear sense of deliverables and produce a final product
The Road Ahead Endorsement of Project by Liberian government Government support necessary to advance project Similar sentiments expressed by focus group participants and client Liberian Media Commitment Implement and analyze media needs assessment Potential IFP & Future PIA Funding
Staten Island Voices http://vimeo.com/11463853