Mass Media Initiative of the Development Information Program

The Development Information Program's Mass Media Initiative financially supports communications projects aimed at increasing Canadian public awareness and understanding of international development and cooperation issues through the mass media.

Eligibility Criteria

A variety of Canadian individuals and organizations are invited to apply, including:

• film and video production companies;
• television and radio broadcasters;
• magazine and newspaper publishers and editors;
• individual filmmakers;
• non-governmental organizations and associations; and
• individuals and organizations with demonstrated expertise in communications that are capable of delivering information on development issues to large Canadian audiences.

Mass Media Initiative contribution agreements can only be undertaken with Canadian individuals and organizations. Projects involving international organizations based outside of Canada must be part of a Canadian-led consortium or partnership.

Proposals backed by multiple partners are encouraged, particularly when the partnership enhances the project's content, financial viability, and/or potential reach.

Eligible Activities

To be eligible for Mass Media Initiative funding, the proposal must:

• be Canadian-led;
• be consistent with CIDA's mandate and the objectives of the Mass Media Initiative;
• focus on international development or cooperation issues;
• highlight Canadian contributions in the proposed area of focus;
• target a large Canadian audience;
• focus primarily on countries eligible for Official Development Assistance; and
• include signed undertakings to distribute, broadcast, or publish the product (with the exception of research and development projects).

Deadline

2007-11-06

Summary

Typical projects supported by the initiative include:

• prime-time television and radio programs;
• articles and feature stories in small- and large-market dailies and magazines;
• exhibitions/displays; and
• other unique or innovative communications projects.

Successful project proposals:

• bring together multiple partners;
• highlight Canadian contributions to the developing world; and
• reach the broadest Canadian audience possible through mass-media vehicles.

Objectives of the initiative:

• broaden Canadians' understanding of international development and cooperation issues;
• highlight the role played by Canadians in developing countries and countries in transition; and
• encourage more in-depth analysis of international development and cooperation issues in Canada.

Ontario Contact(s):
See National Contact.

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National Contact(s):
Mass Media Initiative
Development Information Program
Canadian International Development Agency
200 Promenade du Portage
Gatineau, Quebec  K1A 0G4
Telephone: (819) 997-1663
Toll-free (information): 1-800-230-6349
E-mail: imm_mmi@acdi-cida.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/index-e.htm