Amplify Asia is now accepting applications from independent news organizations interested in joining its program to strengthen media business capacity and increase financial sustainability.
Media from Southeast Asia as well as Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are eligible to apply.
Applications close on 15 April 2024 at 11:59pm GMT+7.
This round of applications builds on the continued growth and success of Amplify Asia, which was launched in 2019 by Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF).
“Through Amplify Asia we’ve seen our partners increase and diversify their revenue, significantly grow their audience, strengthen their technical capabilities and improve their organizational management,” said Tessa Piper, MDIF’s Program Director for Asia. “As well as better equipping media to respond to the multiple challenges they face to long-term viability, it enhances the broader independent media eco-system. And this ensures that audiences across the region can continue to access high quality and reliable news and information from trusted news sources at a time when mis- and disinformation abound.”
The program is crafted to meet the individual needs of each participating media. Media selected to join Amplify Asia are matched with a business coach, someone who is either a senior media executive or a veteran industry expert with skills and experience relevant to the specific needs of the organization. Through regular engagement, these coaches help the media work towards their business goals by advising on company strategy and designing capacity-building plans tailored to the media’s specific requirements.
In addition, Amplify Asia media partners have access to regional specialists who can provide short-term technical assistance in areas such as digital security, SEO services, sales and marketing training, etc. There are also small grants available to help Amplify Asia partners achieve specific business development goals, as well as potential access to a seed equity investment facility for those who meet additional criteria.
Eleven openings in the program are available for eligible media from Southeast Asia or Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan or Sri Lanka to join 14 existing Amplify Asia media participants. Eligibility criteria include:
- Media companies – either for-profit or not-for-profit organizations – that are committed to providing credible, independent news, information or public interest debate for audiences based primarily in South and Southeast Asia.
- Independent from the government or any other political or economic interest group.
- Supportive of democratic practices and institutions, political pluralism, transparency, human rights, dignity and equal rights for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion and other subjects of discrimination.
- Operating in countries where access to reliable information is limited.
- Legally registered, except in extraordinary circumstances.
- Committed to developing a path to financial sustainability.
- Having sufficient capacity to produce regular financial reports.
- Willing to commit sufficient time to work with coaches/mentors and carry out assigned tasks.
Media organizations which meet the eligibility criteria above should apply here.
Deadline for applications: 15 April 2024 at 11:59pm GMT+7.
Further information is available here.