AGILE: Advancing Global Innovation and Learning Effectively to Build Resilience in Independent Media

Co-funded by the European Union under the European Commission’s new Thematic Framework Partnership Agreement for Human Rights and Democracy, AGILE supports independent media in countries where media freedom is under acute attack. The AGILE consortium is led by Internews Europe and made up of its partners CFI Media Development, Thomson Media, ARTICLE 19 and Fojo Media Institute.

AGILE project aims to advance the global response to increasing the resilience of at-risk independent media. It will scale up and adapt cutting-edge methodologies brought by each consortium partner, as well as piloting and testing new approaches to the production and distribution of high-quality information powered by the ethical use of AI and other technologies. A rigorous approach to learning and evaluation will ensure lessons are documented and distributed to build sectoral knowledge.

Built around five workstreams that are key to advancing the resilience of at-risk media around the world – Good Information, Inclusive Access, Sustainable Business Models, Accountable Institutions, and Learning and the Future of Journalism – the project will establish a global knowledge-sharing network to foster innovation, amplify journalists' voices and the needs of media organisations in the media development field, and help stakeholders proactively prepare for crises.

WORKSTREAM 1: GOOD INFORMATION 

Led by Internews Europe, the activities are designed to increase local communities’ access to quality news and information that is accurate, trusted, inclusive, and engaging. Activities under this workstream include, but are not limited to:

• Providing holistic safety training to bolster media outlets' digital and physical security
• Giving advanced journalism training (advanced storytelling, environmental/mobile journalism)
• Establishing media incubators and building a resource website for at-risk journalists
• Conducting a pilot study on using AI to combat misinformation in different countries
• Implementing a pilot initiative to disrupt the digital influence of malign actors

WORKSTREAM 2: INCLUSIVE ACCESS 

Led by CFI Media Development, this workstream focuses on ensuring that marginalised groups are fairly represented and have greater visibility and voice in the global media landscape. Activities under this workstream include, but are not limited to:

• Mapping the information needs of marginalised populations and minorities
• Providing individuals from marginalised communities with journalism training and grants
• Running workshops with journalists, editors, etc. on unconscious bias, ethical reporting and more
• Researching inclusive reporting practices and advocating for inclusivity in media outlets
• Holding hackathons to develop AI models for hate speech detection, content moderation and more
• Supporting media houses financially to enhance representation, diversity and inclusive reporting

WORKSTREAM 3: SUSTAINABILITY BUSINESS MODELS

Led by Thomson Media, this workstream supports trusted and trustworthy media organisations to expand their reach, deepen audience engagement, and strengthen brand loyalty - ultimately helping them increase and diversify revenue streams. Activities under this workstream include, but are not limited to:

• Helping media outlets use the Audience Analytics Dashboard to access market insights
• Optimising audience engagement and revenue
• with tools, mentorship and innovative solutions
• Supporting media with revenue diversification, AI-driven solutions and cross-platform strategies
• Providing media grants to enhance data analysis and implement business sustainability plans

WORKSTREAM 4: ACCOUNTABLE INSTITUTIONS

Led by ARTICLE 19, this workstream engages local, regional, and global stakeholders to advocate for legal, regulatory, and business environments that support independent media and uphold freedom of expression (FoE), including the protection of an open and free Internet. Activities under this workstream include, but are not limited to:

• Using online advocacy tools to track legal compliance in countries with closing civic space
• Monitoring and reporting FoE violations to address impunity and inform key decision-making
• Providing policy and legal guidance to protect FoE and advocating for protection against SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation)
• Conducting research and advocacy on DNS (Domain Name System) abuse and censorship impacting local media
• Developing guidance and training authorities to investigate online gender-based harassment and abuse

WORKSTREAM 5: LEARNING & THE FUTURE OF JOURNALISM

Led by Fojo Media Institute, this workstream brings together independent media actors and academic institutions to share, exchange, and learn from best practices in independent journalism - fostering collaboration and supporting the future of sustainable media. Activities under this workstream include, but are not limited to:

• Training and mentoring young women journalists to prepare them for senior newsroom roles
• Teaching journalism students to cover the climate crisis in collaboration with journalism schools
• Developing university courses on managing stress and trauma for journalists
• Creating a course to build the investigative journalism skills of women journalism students