USAID’s Strengthening Independent Media in Macedonia Program Media Fact Checking Service Project

Start date: October 10, 2012
End date: March 31, 2017
Project budget: $ 485,504
Implementer: Metamorphosis, Foundation for Internet and Society.

Overview

The overall goal of USAID’s Strengthening Independent Media in Macedonia Program is to increase the legitimacy of the media and to strengthen freedom of expression by empowering journalists to reduce their vulnerability to political, economic, and legal intimidation. The program has two current projects:

  1. Media Fact Checking Service; and
  2. Investigative Journalism and Cooperation Between Media and Civil Society

Objectives

The Media Fact Checking Service makes it easier for Macedonian citizens to hold the media accountable. It assists journalists to adhere to their professional standards by providing online tools and resources for public education and raised awareness. The project established an online Media Fact-Checking Service to increase citizen demand for fact-based, objective, and professional news and information.

Expected Results/Impact

The Media Fact-Checking Service provides professional analyses of media content and public education through the work of a team of seasoned journalists, columnists, bloggers, and relevant experts. Relevant watchdog civil society organizations give special focus to articles covering human rights issues. Journalists conduct peer reviews and evaluations regarding the accuracy and truthfulness of published and aired information based on available sources.

Contact Information

Contact at USAID: Sladjana Srbinoska, AOR ssrbinoska@usaid.gov
Chief of Party: Filip Stojanovski filip@metamorphosis.org.mk
Website: www.metamorphosis.org.mk/