Kenyan Internews journalist Tole Nyatta interviews people about the violence that followed a disputed Presidential Election result in early 2008.

Founded in 1982, Internews has been empowering local media in the developing world for over two decades.  With its stated goal as that of an International Media Development Organization, Internews’ core mission is to enhance and assist in sustaining local media through its variety of programs; from staff training to the support of journalist associations.   To date, Internews has aided in the development of around 4800 independent media venues to include newspapers, radio outlets and television stations.  In addition, Internews trains between 8,000 to 10,000 people every year in management, journalism and production.

Internews’ mission has taken it to some of the most difficult environments around the world.  Presently Internews has programs in Sudan, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Chad and Rwanda; as well as Latin American, Eurasia, the Middle East and the Caribbean.

Internews’ modus operandi is very practical.  The organization adapts its focus according to the local needs of the community that they serve.  Internews achieves this objective several ways, one of which is by partnering with local organizations.  For example, Internews founded Radio Absoun in a remote region of eastern Chad.   Staffed by Sudanese and Chadian journalists Radio Absoun provides information to refugees from Darfur as well as the communities that host the refugees.   In another example, Internews established Local Voices in Kenya, Ethiopia and Nigeria to enhance journalism on HIV/AIDS.

Apart from local organizations, Internews also collaborates with international organizations such as UNICEF and UNHCR, governments programs such as USAID, and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Currently, Internews is responding to the Haitian crises by providing mobile broadcasting technology and support.

The table below shows the breadth of Internews’ reach:

Internews International Presence

*Internews Network office

(source Internews website)