FocusLiberia
description
Transcript of FocusLiberia
FocusLiberiaThe New School Practicum
Project group:Michelle BettonCarolina HernandezTherese Vana
May 2009 Michael Waite
The Purpose
Concept report and mock-up of Focus Liberia
Webzine would:Solicit articles, give assignments to roster of Liberian journalists
Feature photographic essays/ videos, podcasts, iReports, & streaming radio
Shortcomings in Liberian media
Why a Webzine?October 2008- site visits,
workshops, seminars in Liberia
Weak media infrastructure (print, broadcast, digital)
Digital media potential to reach larger audience
Support modernization of media sector
Provide unbiased journalism to ensure transparency, accountability, good governance
2011 elections
About Liberia
First Liberian Civil War 1989-1996
Second Liberian Civil War 1999-2003
250,000 killed; nearly 1 million displaced out of 2.4 million population
Most major business destroyed, badly damaged; most foreign investors, businesses left
About LiberiaBefore Civil War: 1816- modern political
history began1847- Republic of Liberia Between 1952-1957,
economic growth rate averaged 15%, higher than any country besides Japan
After Civil War: 2005-Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf elected first female African president
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
MethodologyPhase I
Terms of reference, plan of work, timeline, research Liberia
Phase IIComparative Study & Analysis of
17 sites & technical workInterviews
MethodologyPhase III
Concept Report containing pertinent information and recommendations
Mock-up Focus Liberia developed in collaboration with Parsons web designer
The Future, Great Opportunity!
Work in progress, Fall Practicum?
Writing Grant ProposalWordPress knowledge
ChallengesLimited Internet
connectivityLack of computer skillsDesign skills
List of donors, potential management, board of editors, other contributors.
Thank You Q&A
Project prepared on behalf of Michael Keating, Senior Fellow and Associate Director at the Center of Democracy and Development at University of Massachusetts, Boston
Barbara Camus Faculty Advisor