Internews Launches Center for Innovation, Research & Learning
New Initiative Will Experiment, Capture and Share Innovative Projects From Around the World
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"The speed of new players and new technology entering the field of development is rapidly changing. Internews has deep experience applying cutting-edge media tools and is extremely forward-thinking in sharing these solutions broadly." – Bob Boorstin, Director of Corporate and Policy Communications for Google, which is supporting the center with a challenge grant |
Based in Washington, DC and operating globally, the Center for Innovation, Research & Learning aims to harness the potential of digital technologies and innovative approaches to better meet the information needs of communities around the world. The Center, which is led by Mark Frohardt, will also serve as a hub to inform and engage others in the fields of media, information technology and development.
This year, the Center will deploy a team of regional new media advisors to explore digital tools and potential partnerships with local institutions. The advisors will work with project teams throughout Asia, Eastern Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East on experimentation, adaptation, and customization. ( More)
Explore some recent innovative projects Internews has worked on with local partners around the globe:
Afghanistan: Radio over Internet Protocol
Internews' work in Afghanistan is at the cutting edge of technology: Radio over Internet Protocol (ROIP), which uses spare bandwidth, is being implemented to create digital links between network stations, allowing for delivery of normal programming and separate specialized programming to individual partners in live or pre-recorded formats. ROIP will be used to broadcast, distribute and share radio programming live between stations across Afghanistan. (Watch a video)
Egypt: Using Social Media to Engage & Inform
Internews has worked with local media, civil society, universities and youth in Egypt for more than six years, to support an engaged and informed citizenry. The events since January 25th have focused the world's attention on Egypt, particularly on the need for and power of a free flow of information. Election coverage, investigative reporting, and social media utilization are among the skills local media and civil society will need to support Egypt's evolving society. ( More)
Kenya: Conflict Sensitive Reporting through Mapping & SMS
Internews' new media platform maps and networks journalists trained in the Internews conflict sensitive methodology in Kenya. The website enables a group of journalists to share content by posting stories via email or SMS. Stories are then charted on Google Maps. "Mtandao wa Internews," which means "Internews website" in Swahili, began in mid-June 2010 to help trainees be responsive to news developments in the run up to the August 4 constitutional referendum. ( More)
Global: Media Map
Internews, The World Bank and The Brookings Institution are collaborating to bridge the gap in current research by analyzing the data on media and development. Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Media Map Project aims to answer the questions: What does the evidence say about media's role in development? And what are the most effective ways to strengthen independent media? (Visit the Media Map blog)
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About Internews
Internews is an international media development organization established in 1982. Its mission is to empower local media worldwide to provide people with the news and information that they need, the ability to connect, and the means to make their voices heard.