ProMedialArmenia Funded Bv USAID
Final Report August 12.1999 - August 29,2003 Cooperative Agreement No. 111 -A-00-99-00075-00 Submitted: December 15, 2003
IREX submits this final report in accordance with the requirement of the ProMedia IllArmenia Cooperative Agreement (CA No. 111-A-00-99-00075-00).
I. Introduction
The launch of IREXlProMedia II in Armenia coincided with the tragic shooting on October 1999 in the National Assembly in which eight leading members of the legislative body were shot dead by assailants. This gruesome tragedy was captured on film and shown worldwide on CNN, and was an indication of the political turmoil that continues to roil beneath the surface in what is generally considered to be a calm and orderly society.
ProMedia I1 began work in a print media environment characterized by a plethora of publications, each which has its own distinct niche and each supported by a political party. political figures, or private businessmen, and sometimes combinations of these. Artides were highly opinionated, often disregarding facts in favor of inflammatory comments. Newspapers were poorly designed and hard to read, and generally lacking photos or stories on topics other than political antics and outrages. Not unexpectedly, readership of the print news media was extremely low by any standard, an unfortunate situation since Armenia had a very high rate of literacy.
Over the past four years, IREWProMedia II has provided more than 110pmgrams. consisting of seminars, consultations, workshops, academic classes, studies, and study tours. Its programs have touched dozens of editon and commercial managers and more than 300 professional and student journalists in Yerevan and the regions. There are few, if any, professional or student journalists in Armenia who have not been exposed to or participated in IREWProMedia programs.
Though notable progress has been made, achieving a truly independent news media will take time. However, unlike four years ago, as a resun of ProMedia I1 editors are now keenly aware of the need for their newspapers to grow as independent business. They rightly contend that financial independence for the media will come as the economy improves, but also agree that more can and should be done themselves. They acknowledge that the western model of newspapers, in which revenue is derived from advertising and thus provides a substantial degree of independence, is an admirable goal, but it cannot come to Armenia until the Armenian economy expands enough to generate commercial competition. Editors know too well that advertising comes from a robust market economy, which unfortunately does not yet exist in Armenia. Limited demand equates to limited supply and limited competition. A low level of competition means a low level of advertising. Another factor depressing the advertising market is Armenia's pervasive 'gray" or cash economy. Checks and credit cards do not exist in daily commerce, largely to avoid cormpt tax officials. ProMedialArmenia Funded By USAID
The most significant result of the IREXlProMedia II program is that today, most newspaper editors and publishers view their newspapers as a business, not just voices for political or private interests. Their intent is now to serve their readers, not just their sponsors. The importance of this change in attitude cannot be underestimated.
Moving editors toward the western model presented many difficulties. Each newspaper had a reputation for the way it presented the news. In most cases, newspapers reflected the shared points of the editor, its sponsors and the readers.
Newspapers generally did not need to appeal to a broad readership because their core readership shared their political point of view. Deviating from a specific point of view meant loss of core support, both in terms of readership and financing. The welfare of the newspaper, indeed its very existence, was threatened by the westem model.
Editors were in comfortable, secure positions because they did not depend on advertising revenue or wide readership. Editors obtained necessary funding through sponsors and/or contributors and supporters, public and private.
Finally, no successful model yet exists in Armenia to demonstrate the virtues of the westem model. Readers have never seen a general interest, objective newspaper, and do not expect it when they pick one up. Retailers, merchants, and businessmen in Armenia are often unfamiliar with advertising practices and marketing in the print media. They are reluctant to use the print media for advertising because newspapers reflect such narrow points of view and consequently had -- and still have - very low readership, or market share. as compared to television. Television dominates the news market and is the main source of news for 85 percent of the population. While many people read newspapers, they do so for opinion and analysis, not news. Editors know well their niche, their readers and their sponsors, and act accordingly.
But the paradigm is beginning to crack, as a result of IREXlProMedia II
Hovaness Galadjan, editor of opposition semi-weekly, lravunk, explained that. Weare a party newspaper. There was no objectivity at all (during the 2003 elections)." Galadjan said the newspaper lost 10 percent of its readers during the elections, but regained them after. Iravunk, it must be noted, is the most popular of all newspapers in Yerevan, and claims a total circulation of between 14,000 and 17,000 on a weekly basis.
Perhaps reflecting lessons learned from the election. Galadjan said that newspapers must change in order to survive. We need to de-politicize newspapers. Trust (of readers) will come when newspapers become real businesses. Their voting is done by the wallet. If they buy it, they will trust it."
Hakob Avedikian, editor of the centrist daily Azg, has said the 2003 elections revealed the weakness and vulnerability of the print media. He said newspapers do not need sponsors
FOR ADDITIONAL KFORMATION COXIACT: hdaTrd, Deputy hector E-marl ibaICue\ org morw (XI e~lG Far (32)eXIF \\'eb hq W?M. pmmhira r.ig ProMedialArmenia Funded By USAID lREX now, as much as they need serious investors. "If there is no capital investment, no further development (in the news media) is possible."
This new business thinking was also shared by Aram Abrahamyan, editor of the opposition daily, Aravot, who said, "The newspaper does not need a sponsor, but an owner.' Abrahamyan said he likes the western model of a publisherlowner who manages the business side of the newspaper, and an editor who manages the news side. We are coming closer and closer to the time when newspaper will turn into businesses."
Much of this change in attitude, which is the first and most important step toward achieving independence, is the result of the wide range of programs provided by IREWProMedia II over the past four years.
Another key indicator of this important change in attitude is a steady increase in advertising as a source of income for newspapers, a step toward weaning them away from heavy reliance on public and private sponsors.
In most cases, print media advertising was virtually nonexistent when IREWProMedia began. Most notable increases in advertising volumes are Novoe Vremya, Iravunk, and Azg, all of which have participated in IRWProMedia Ilprograms.
Novoe Vremya, the Russian language broad-sheet, now averages about 20-25 percent advertising, up from an average of less than 10 percent. This is due to an active advertising sales manager and an expanding amount of classified advertising. Both of these decisions were the result of editor Ruben Satyan's participation in IREWProMedia II programs. Additionally, Novoe Vremya now publishes three times a week, up from twice weekly, effectively increasing its circulation by one third. lravunk averages from 20 to 30 percent advertising, sometimes more, which is about a 10 percent increase from previous years. Editor Galadjan said the newspaper generates revenue for the Constitutional Rights party with which it is affiliated.
Azg also continues to average only about 12 to 15 percent advertising. The Azg commercial director has been a regular participant in business and advertising seminars and study tours sponsored by IREWProMedia 11.
Aravot, another opposition daily, fluctuates from 12 to 15 percent advertising, but occasionally has up to 25 percent advertising. As a result of an IREWProMedia II study tour. Aravot became the first Armenian newspaper to print color advertising.
Delavoy (Business) Express, the Russian language twice-weekly, continues to lead the field by averaging about from 30 to 50 percent advertising. Delavoy Express is the community leader in terms of classified advertising. The editor, who has also participated extensively in IREWProMedia programs, says his newspaper operates free of outside sponsorship and exists solely on the earned income of its advertising sales. ProMedialArmenia Funded Bv USAID
Key accomplishments during the ProMedia program include:
Business and management training. Editors and commercial managers of all major newspapers have participated in seminars, conferences and study tours, and private consultations that exposed them to U.S. and western style media management.
Professional journalism development. More than 150 professional working journalists in the print media in Yerevan and the regions have participated in multiple seminars and programs on various genres of objective, fact-based journalism.
Student journalism instruction. More than 150 student journalists in various institutions of higher learning in Yerevan. Guimri and regional cities have studied in the basics of objective, fact-based journalism, including investigative journalism as well as the writing and editing of three student publications.
Formation of an inde~endentadvertisincl cooperative. Named Bia Press. this independent advertising agency was the result oi a two-month advetkg sales training proqram by IREXIProMedia II. The agency-. sells advertising for a special supplement thatis inserted in eight participating newspapers which share the ad~ertisin&~rofits,thus contributing to the financial independence of the print media.
Special newspaper supplements. Produced in connection with local, regional. presidential and National Assembly elections in the fall of 2002 and spring of 2003, IREX worked with more than 40 Armenian journalists to produce objective and mmprehensive reports in advance of the election which were distributed nationwide.
Texts. Published journalism text books in Armenian language in all aspect of westem- style journalism, including design and layout and business management.
Searchable database. Created by IREXIProMedia and accessible online, it consists of more than 120,000 newspaper articles from the past five years in Armenian and Russian language.
Journalism resource centers. Located in Yerevan, Guimri, and various regional cities. these centers provide working and student joumalists with free internet access. journalism texts, and access to the searchable data base.
Small equipment grants. These targeted and limited grants to newspapers helped many struggling newspapers to increase efficiency and productivity.
Investigative reporting. Grants and training were provided through a series of seminars and training programs and did much to stimulate serious and responsible reporting on a wide range of topics from corruption to the environment and serious social problems.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION COhTACT: hdaTrd. Deputy hector IREX 2111 K Sheet MI',Suite 7W Washington DC 2W37 ProMedialArmenia C Funded By USAlD IREX
II. ProMedia IllArmenia Results Framework
The ProMedia II program initially operated under the USAlD strategic objective:
Increased, better-informed citizen participation in community, political, and economic decision-making.
In the latter stages of the program, the ProMedia II program operated under a revised USAlD strategic objective:
More transparent, accountable, and responsive democratic governance,
Within USAIDIArmenia's Strategic Objectives referenced above, IREX operated under its own strategic framework as laid out in two key Intermediate Results (IR):
> IR 1: Publishers effectively manage media enterprises > IR 2: Journalists provide citizens with objective, fact-based, and useful information
Activities are presented according to the IR that seems best to fit their objectives
Ill. ProMedia IllArmenia Activities
IR I:Publishers effectively manage media enterprises
Targeted results:
Newspapers establish or increase retail and classified advertising sales. Newspapers increase revenue and readers, moving to financial independence. News services gain clients. Newspapers boost advertising sales through business and marketing plans. Newspapers redesigned, graphicslphotos improved to boost kiosk sales. Newspaper business and management staff are trained. Newsprint buying cooperative formed.
Activities:
Consultations
In December 1999, IREX provided on-site consulting on editorial content and business management issues at Noyan Tapan. Snark and ARKA news services.
In February 1999, Lloyd Donaldson consulted on strategic planning, helping newspapers and news agencies to move toward web pages and expand print services. The newspapers targeted were Golos Arrnenii, Haykakan Zhamanak, Noratert, Delovoy
FOR ADDrrlONAL INFOFMAT1OS COhTACT: Linda Trail. Depuh Dyector E-mad ItrdSm-\ erg IREX Phone pJ21 bZKSIs.! 2121 K ShwZ ?.W', Sute 7W Fa\ i3Xt a=lP IVashmgtan. DC 20o37 N'eb htlp \arv pmdiacig ProMedialArmenia Funded By USAlD IREX
Express, Novoe Vremya, and news services were Snark. Arka and Noyan Tapan. Emphasis was placed on practical budgeting and business planning techniques.
In January 2000, IREX provided on-site consulting at Haykakan Zhamanak, a result of which the newspaper redesigned its front page and increased the use of graphics and maps in the inside pages, and saw an increase in street stand sales.
In March 2000, IREX consulted with Novoe Vremya newspaper to improve design and content, use a larger point size for the type to ease readability, and redesigned its promotion of inside stories, made the headlines more interesting and improved graphics.
In late May 2000. Donaldson and Gregory Kunis provided follow-up business consulting for news services Noyan Tapan. Arka, and newspapers Aravot, Golos Annenii. Haykakan Zhamanak and Novoe Vremya. Noyan Tapan drew up a new management structure and redid its budgeting procedure as well as reorganized its sales staff.
In March 2001 Jack Ronald, the publisher of the Commercial Review daily in Portland, Indiana, conducted seminars with newspaper managers on business planning and management. During the workshop business plans for Novoe Vremya, Respublika Armenia, Azg, Iravunk, and Tsayg newspapers were developed.
In January 2002, Ronald returned for a two weeks of consultations with editors and commercial directors of nine Armenian newspapers to develop business plans. The most successful of the consultations was with start-up Tsayg, the Gyumri-based weekly newspaper which had most of the essential elements for a business plan. Ronald encountered moderate success with Novoe Vremya, Azg, Aravot, Iravunk, Golos Armenii and Respublika Armenia newspapers.
In February 2002, Larry Gerber, former Associated Press bureau chief in Vienna and Stockholm, and Los Angeles, consulted with news agencies both on business development and news structuring.
In April 2002 Ravil Zagretdinov, deputy editor of Delovoy Petersburg business daily. arrived in Armenia for two-weeks of consulting with editors and business managers and provided them with an analysis of newspapers content, the newspaper market. organizational and economic structure of the print news media.
Seminars
In May 2000 conducted newspaper design and production seminars for Noyan Tapan Highlights, Novoe Vremya and Haykakan Zhamanak to make them more readable and increase sales.
In September 2000, IREX organized seminars on business and economics and emigration policy reporting in Yerevan.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT: hdaTrd, Deput). Lhrector E-d.IbdSuex crg lREx Phone.,2321 6WlS 212 K Street NW, Suite 7W Fax. (3321hS81S Washgton. LX M037 \Yeb: http:, /\n+,v pm& ilig ProMedialArmenia Funded By USAID IREX
In October 2001, IREX launched a two-month seminar in Yerevan on newspaper advertising by Brian Long and Donna Norton who introduced advertising sales as part of a revenue-development model for newspapers in Armenia. The participants enthusiastically supported the creation of an advertising consortium soon registered as a business entity. It was named Big Press and continues to publish advertising inserts into major Armenian newspapers.
In May 2002, a one-week seminar was presented in Yerevan to commercial directors of leading newspapers to develop the concept that advertisers must be considered as customers; development of stronger advertising departments with more skilled marketing and advertising personnel; distribution as a critical part of successfully operating newspaper.
In March 2003, IREX sent two newspaper commercial directors to a seminar in Russian titled 'Technologies of promoting publications in the market". The purpose of the conference was to provide training for directors who must promote their publications and make them more attractive for new readers and advertisers. The trainees learned of the Russian experience of how to improve the popularity of a newspaper and made contacts with some Moscow organizations to continue cooperation.
In June 2003 Moscow-based consultants Olga Karpova and Anna Averina conducted newspaper distribution seminar in offices of IREXlProMedia and onsite with newspapers and distributors. Topics discussed were: financial foundation of the newspaper business; the mechanics of subscriptions; attraction of readership and promotion of publications; and business cases of Russian publications.
Grants
In the spring of 2000, small equipment grants were provided to selected newspapers to assist in their modernization and increased business and news production efficiency. Results were immediate. Delovoy Express launched a newspaper focused on the high- tech industry. Reporters at Aravot began using computers to write and research. The Snark agency expanded their computer use. Novoe Vremya established an electronic newsroom. Golos Armenii launched a special advertising section. Haykakan Zhamanak used its digital camera to provide local photographs of daily news events. Azg started to incorporate more news from neighboring countries of Georgia and Azerbaijan.
In spring of 2001 and 2002, IREX provided Internet connection grants to the newspapers Azg, Delavoy Express, and Novoe Vremya, and Kumairi Banvor in Guirnri.
In December 2002, IREX distributed $20.000 in small equipment grants to the regional newspapers of Vanadzor, Zangezur, and Sevan to improve their production capabilities and efficiency. Grants were also distributed to Photolure agency and the newspapers Hayots Ashkar and Novoe Vremya to allow them to establish web sites.
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Study tours
In November 2000 five Armenian newspaper editors and managers went on a one-week study tour to Finland and Estonia to study distribution systems and business management styles and practices. . In late May and early June 2001 five Armenian newspaper editors participated in a two- week study tour to the US, in part to attend a marketing conference, organized by the International Newspaper Marketing Association. As a result of the conference and study tour the editor of Novoe Vremya opened up a special advertising department and hired staff, which increased ad sales in 10% and had significantly increased the income of the newspaper. The editor of Delovoy Express made contacts with an international newspaper distribution company.
Conferences
In December 2000 business managers from Delovoy Express, Golos Armenit and Aravot were sent to a two-day conference in Moscow titled "Advertising in the Russian Print Media".
In December 2000, three newspaper distribution specialists attended a threeday conference in Ekaterinburg, Russia. The purpose was to expand their knowledge of distribution systems and methodologies with the goal to stimulate the creation of an independent newspaper distribution system for Armenia.
In February 2001 five newspaper business managers attended a marketing conference in Moscow entitled, 'The importance of proper positioning of a publication in the market as an essential factor of success in the market." It prompted editor and publisher interest in a proposed marketing survey of newspaper readership.
In February 2001, five designers attended a design conference in Moscow and as a result of it there were design changes in their publications.
In September 2001, eight deputy editors and commercial directors attended a cornmercial development conference of the International Newspaper Marketing Association in Switzerland. The participants returned with better knowledge of business environment in general and newspaper marketing in particular.
In November 2001, four newspaper editors attended to a newspaper marketing conference sponsored by the world Association of Newspapers in Lisbon, Portugal. The editors discussed the ways of overcoming a depressed advertising market and increased production costs. The editor of Novoe Vremya launched a new classified advertising section in the newspaper in order to attract more readers and to involve more readers with the newspaper.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATlON CONTACT: hdaTrd, Depuh Drector E-inad Ii~d@uerorg IREX Phorw {XTI62tXlSS 2121 K Sheet. NVt'. Sulte 7W Fak (mi6BSlS9 Wastungton, DC 20337 \ In May 2002, eight selected journalists and commercial directors to the annual conference of the World Association of Newspapers in Brugge and Brussels. Belgium. Group members visited the European parliament and in discussionsbn aspects of journalism such as ethics of reporting, newspaper and magazine organization, financing and management. They met with top editors at L'Express weekly news magazine, Le Monde daily newspaper and Liberation daily newspaper in France. In November 2002, two newspaper editors attended the 2& World Association of Newspapers Roundtable on creating and managing newspaper associations. The roundtable was organized specifically for association members from Balkans. Eastern Europe, and CIS countries. Internships In August 2001, two designers studied for two weeks at the Postimees, an Estonian daily newspaper. The designers had demonstrated a commitment of moving the publications to a more western styled publication. In March 2002, two newspaper managers attended a three-week internship to Delovoy Petersburg. They worked with news department managers on a daily basis and participated in all aspects of the newspaper management. They were given specific tasks that had to be completed by the end of the day and they were assigned mentors and advisors. As a resun, the manager from Respublika Armenia began a classified advertising section and developed a client database. The manager from Armlnfo news agency, reorganized the agency with team of specialized teams of reporters and develop a database of stories and clients. In April 2002, two more newspaper managers attended the three-week internship with Delovoy Petersburg. The trainee from ARKA said that the experience would assist her in launching a new business and economy publication and the trainee from Big Press agency announced about the start of regular publication of an advertising supplement and a special training for new advertising sales staff. In May 2002 another pair of newspaper managers participated in the three-week internship to Delovoy Petersburg. Both returned with new knowledge which they planned to utilize in their respective newspapers. Other In December 2001, actively supported the formation of a newspaper publishers' association composed of seven founding newspaper editors. The draft by-laws were agreed by the representatives of Azg, Aravot, Novoe Vremya, Delovoy Express, Golos Amenii, Respublika Armenia and Gind. The association is a non-profit organization that was aimed at creation and management of an alternative distribution system. FOR ADDIIIONAL INFORCUTION COMACT: hdaTrall, Devuh. . Drhrector E-dIudi2m\ or% IREX Phone 1372i cmiG 2121 K Sheet. MI', Suite 7W Fax (>XI eX.Sl89 IVashington, DC 20037 \Veb htq- , rn+~rpmmhiil erg ProMedialArmenia Funded Bv USAlD February, March, and April, 2002, conducted an extensive survey of newspaper readership, with a sample of almost 1000 people and a second sample of 600 newspaper readers to determine likes, dislikes, etc. and reader demographics. Results were announced and presented to newspaper editors to assist them to make changes to meet the demands of the newspaper market, increase circulation and improve market share. 0 In February 2003, launched a photo archive project in cooperation with eight Armenian newspapers to encourage the use of more and better photographs by making them available for free, the purpose being to increase reader interest and increase sales. Each of participating newspapers contributes original photographs to the photo bank. In the framework of this project ProMedia granted digital cameras to the participating newspapers and provided training on the use of the cameras as well as use of the archive. Achieved results: Most editors actively manage their newspapers as businesses. a Most newspapers have business plans. Most Newspapers have created or expanded advertising sales staffs, and increased advertising sales volume. Most newspaper are moving away from reliance on sponsors and toward financial independence. IR 2: Journalists provide citizens with objective, fact-based, and useful information Targeted results: Increased investigative stories, feature stories, and in-depth analysis on political economic and social issues. Improve news and feature story packaging in Yerevan and regions. Reduced sale of advertising content presented as News. Journalists participate in and training and programs in Armenia and aborad. Reporters use research and better background via the Internet. Newspaper and news agencies have Internet sites. Newspaper database created1 expanded. News writing, management and design handbooks in Armenian. Awards and grants for in-depth and investigative reporting on public policy, social, and economic issues. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION COhTACT: Linda Td,Deputy Director E-marl. Itrd&~r.org 1- Phone 132l WlS 2121 K Sheet. NW'. Stute 7W Fax b2g5159 \\'ashulgton. K W037 \Veb: http:.'/*~o*.pmi.mriiaorg ProMedialArmenia Funded By USAlD IREX Activities: Consultations In January 1999, IREX provided on-site consulting at Haykakan Zhamanak. As a resun, the newspaper used more multi-source stories reflecting opposing points of view are printed and there is an increase in number of human interest stones. The journalists started to use standard structures for stories, including anecdotal leads, background paragraphs and a logical sequence of events. Seminars In December 1999, IREX launched weekend school with a seminar and roundtable discussion on newspapers and news service coverage of the National Assembly shootings. in April 2000, IREX conducted two seminars on journalism ethics, judging the reliability of sources, deciding on deadlines, avoiding deceptive methods and conflicts of interest. In June 2000, IREX organized a seminar on 'Internet and Journalism" about obstacles to developing lnternet in Armenia and training reporters in newsrooms. The seminar was aimed at sharing the information on existing problems and finding optimal ways of teaching journalists to use the Internet. In July 2000, IREX organized another seminar on where reporters were trained to use the Internet and to put a more global perspective on Armenian events. Each workshop participant received guides on international online databases as well as Armenian newsgroups and other resource lists. In July 2000. IREX's local program manager organized news writing seminars for regional reporters from Gyumri, Ashtarak and Artik. The participants focused on structuring their stories, writing leads. Regional newspapers could be improved by stressing articles that have high reader interest. As a result, headlines of the articles became more interesting, attractive and informative. In September 2000, IREX organized seminars on business and economics and emigration policy reporting. 0 In January 2001 at the request of the editor of Delovoy Express IREXIProMedia resident advisor conducted five seminars on the fundamentals of fact-based, objective journalism on financial and business reporting. In April 2001, at the request of Armenian lnternafional Magazine (AIM), IREX began an intensive training for the dozen Armenian journalists who had been selected by the magazine to learn western style journalism and to become regular contributors and staff FOR ADDITIONAL IXiORM4TION COhTACT: hdaTrd. DeDuW. , kector IRM 2121 K Sheel, NW, Suite iW Washington, DC m)3i ProMedialArmenia 6 Funded By USAlD IREX writers. AIM Editor John Hughes noticed an immediate improvement in the quality of writing from the participants after the workshop. In August 2001, IREX continued the series of seminars for the Armenian journalists affiliated with AIM. For that purpose Laura Kelly, an American journalist with extensive writing and teaching credential in the US and abroad, conducted a two-week intensive seminar. In October 2001. Kelly continued seminars for AIM freelancers. The seminar focused on the particulars of working in Armenia to gather information and yet presenting it in a magazine and on a website in a western style journalism. In October 2001, Kelly conducted a two-day regional seminars for Gyumri based newspapers Tsayg and Kumairi Banvor. The audience was receptive and asked for more materials, guidance and assistance. In November 2001, a series of seminars on health care reporting were taught by Leah Kohlenberg in Yerevan and Gyurnri. Each seminar participant chose a topic of a future article and had one-on-one critique session with Kohlenberg, revised their work and finished up with a group critique. In February 2002, IREX organized and conducted a seminar on media law in the IREXlProMedia offices in Yerevan. In March 2002. Kelly returned to conduct a one-month workshop on social issues for advanced, experienced professional journalists. The objective of the classes was for journalists to produce and publish several stories in their newspaper and most of them published at least one story during the mentioned period In June 2002. Kohlenberg returned with a series of one-week seminars in fact-based. objective journalism in the regions. She visited Vanadzor, Goris, Sisian. Kapan. At the request of PadCo pilot project which decided to revitalize a national health care magazine Kohienberg worked with selected Yerevan-based reporters to research. interview and edit stories for the magazine. At the end of the training quality stories were completed by each reporter. In October 2002, Laura Kelly returned to Armenia for a one-week follow-up workshop in feature writing and social issues reporting. Besides classes she met individually with the seminar participants and discussed aspects of their stories, ranging from story development to final writing and editing. In November 2002. Kohlenberg returned to Armenia for a month long workshop in local government reporting in the regional cities of Gyumri. Vanadzor, Sevan, Goris and Kapan. ProMedialArmenia Funded By USAlD In April 2003, IREX's resident advisor conducted one day seminar in fact-based journalism for journalists from Artashat. The seminar was organized by editor of Artashat newspaper and Kelly Pearce, a former journalist and Peace Corps volunteer in Artashat. During the seminar sample story forms were analyzed and the differences between Armenian style and western style journalism were discussed. Participants wrote a short story based on a random collection of information presented. In July 2003, IREX conducted a three-day seminar for a dozen print journalists on issues of press freedom and a proposed media law in Armenia. The seminar was presented by Lucine Abovian, staff attorney for lnternews Armenia, and IREWProMedia visiting consultant Dina Horwedel, a journalist and civil rights attorney from Colorado. Topics included prior restraints in Armenia and the US.. defamation law in U.S. and Armenia; slander, libel and defamation laws in Armenia and the US how that impacts a journalist's ability to do his work, limitations on access to information; how to ensure that access. Grants In late March 2000, IREX announced in-depth and investigative reporting grant awards: two grants of $3,000 and two grants of $5,000 for Yerevan-based journalists and per one grant of $3,000 and $5,000 for regional journalists. In July 2003, IREX distributed $10,000 in grants to 10 reporters in Yerevan and the regions to research, write and publish investigations on various topics. See more below. Other In October 2000, IREX launched a searchable database of Armenian newspaper stories. At present it contains 121,986 texts in Armenian and Russian. 0 In February 2003, IREX launched a photo archive project in cooperation with eight Armenian newspapers. The purpose of the archive was to encourage the use of more and better photographs by making them available for free. Each of participating newspapers contributes original photographs to the photo bank. In the framework of this project ProMedia granted digital cameras to the participating newspapers and provided training on the use of the cameras as well as use of the archive. Academic classes In November 2000. IRW began a one-semester program of instruction for advanced and graduate level students in objective, fact-based journalism for selected group of students from Yerevan State University and the state Pedagogic University in Guirnri, The weekly classes at both institutions continued till May 2001. In September 2001, resident advisor Peter Eichstaedt started one-semester dasses on investigative journalism at the Yerevan State University and basic journalism classes at FOR ADDmONAL INFORMATION CONIACT: Linda Trail, Deputy Lhmtor IRM 2121 K Sheet hW', Suite 7M Washgton. DC 20037 ProMedialArmenia Funded BY USAlD IREX Echmiadzin State College. These classes were the result of a direct and personal appeal by the deans and members of the faculties of the respective institutions. In October 2001, 15 selected students from Gyumri Pedagogical lnstitute were taken to a hotel in Lusakert for a four-day training held by Laura Kelly. The students were taught how to write articles for radio, how to hold and participate to press conferences, how to organize the work to meet deadlines, how to investigate, how to conduct interviews, etc. In March 2002, IREX continued a second semester of classes on westem style journalism for advanced students from Echmaidzin State College, in the offices of ProMedia II. Students received journalism training, and had discussions and practical exercises in basic story structures, writing styles, news gathering techniques, interviewing techniques, use of quotes and factual information, editing and rewriting. After each class the students make use of Resource Center computers under the supervision of center staff and college computer specialist. In March 2002, IREX began an eight-week series of classes for selected journalism students at the state Pedagogic lnstitute in Yerevan. Classes were conduced in the IREXIProMedia offices. In April 2002, [REX began an eight-week series of classes in western style, fact-based journalism for advanced students from Russian-Armenian University. The students were taught a wide variety of subjects including practical exercises on story structure. writing styles, interview techniques, the proper use of quotes and attribution, as well as discussions on journalism ethics and legal issues. In May 2003. IREX's resident advisor and local program manager participated in the journalism examination panel for the graduating students at the State Pedagogic lnstitute in Yerevan. As panel members, they asked questions and commented on student work and knowledge of the journalism profession, practices and ethics. iternships In May 2001, two financial and business reporters attended an intensive, hands-on training program to Delovoy Petersburg business newspaper in Russia, one of the most successful financial publications. The interns were integrated into the daily routine of newspaper staff. Each was given reporting assignments and worked closely with editors and photographers. Each intern wrote four stories during their stay. In June 2001, the second pair of business reporters went to Delovoy Petersburg for internship. The reporters were expected to produce high quality, innovative and breaking news and they printed several stories during the internship period. In July 2001, the third pair of reporters went to Delovoy Petersburg FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT: Linda Trd. Depuq ~ector E-mad ItralGuex erg lREX Phone (3l3 6B4W 2121 K Street, h%V, Suite 7W Fax ,321 b341Sq Waslungton, DC XI37 \\'eh http /*rm pwm& erg ProMedialArmenia Q Funded By USAID lREX In October 2001, IREX sent another pair of business reporters went to Delovoy Petersburg newspaper for three-week internship. In November 2001, another pair of business reporters went to Delovoy Petersburg for a three-week internship. In February 2002, two more business reporters had been sent to intensive hand-on internship at Delovoy Petersburg newspaper. In July 2002, in cooperation with ArmeniaNow, online weekly publication, IREX began a one-month internship for two journalists. The interns worked under the supervision of editors to produce a story each week. In September 2002, IREX continued a one-month internship in AnneniaNow online weekly publication. In September 2002, IREX continued its on-going relationship with Delovoy Petersburg and sent two other reporters for a three-week intemship. In October 2002, IREX continued to sponsor three-week internship of Armenian reporters in ArmeniaNow. In November 2002, IREX continued to sponsor three-week intemship of Armenian reporters in ArmeniaNow. During the internship the reporters are required to properly research and document their stories and organize them in western style. In December 2002, IREX continued to sponsor three-week internship of Armenian repoders in ArmeniaNow. Roundtables In July 2001, lREX conducted a panel discussion for key journalists on a code of ethics. The panelists revised and adopted code of ethics which was first drafted and adopted in 1995 by the Yerevan Press Club and other journalistic organizations. In July 2002, IREX conducted a roundtable discussion on NGOs and the media the purpose of which was to help bridge the gap between NGOs and the media. In October 2002, IREX co-sponsored a journalism roundtable and seminar on the general topic of ethics titled. 'Self-regulation effective management". It was conducted jointly with the Yerevan Press Club and the European Institute for the Media. Seminar topics included: media ethics and accountability, legal problems affecting print journalism, self-regulation and the press in Europe, role of NGOs in self-regulation, ways of development of an effective press self-regulatory body in Armenia. The result of the seminar was a general agreement that the press in Armenia needed to develop a universal ethical code. FOR ADDITIONAL NK)RMATION COVTACT: hdaTd, Deputy &&or 1REX 2121 K Street, h%$', Smte 7OO Washington, DC U037 ProMedialArmenia - Funded By USAID IREX In October 2002, IREX co-sponsored a sports writers' roundtable, that gathered more than 50 journalists from Armenia and CIS countries. In March 2003, IREX organized a roundtable discussion with ten newspaper editors and journalists. The purpose was to respond to and evaluate criticism leveled against the print and television media during the presidential and run-off elections. In May 2003, IREX conducted a roundtable discussion with a group of key print media journalists covering the election with Armen Haroutyunyan, one of the key draften of the constitutional reforms that were voted during parliamentary elections. Journalists discussed the proposed changes and accepted criticism from Haroutyunyan that much of the prior reportage had been based on rumors and misconceptions. As a result of the roundtable several fact-based articles appeared. In July 2003, IREX conducted a two-day retreat for selected newspaper editors at the Cinematographers' House in the mountain village of Dilijan. The seminar was titled 'Perspectives on the Development of the Armenian Print Media," and was a discussion on the past, present and future needs of the print media in Armenia. The seminar was lead by IREXIProMedia director Peter Eichstaedt and Local Program Manager Naira Manucharova, and was attended by Vicken Cheterian, director of the Caucasus Media Institute of Yerevan, and Maya Barkhudanan of USAID. International seminars In November 2001, IREX supported the trip of three journalists to Council of Europe. The program included visits to offices and headquarters of the Council of Europe, extensive discussions on Armenia's membership. In July 2002, IREX sponsored five journalists to attend a seminar in ethics in conflict reporting, organized by the European Journalism Center. The seminar was important to Armenia due to the lingering Karabagh conflict with Azerbaijan. The seminar discussed ethics and cultural sensitivity in complex war situations, censorship and working in non- democratic societies. Computer literacy In January 2002, IREX conducted a special computer literacy training for students of the 3~ and 4" year of journalism at the State Pedagogic Institute in Gyumri was conducted at the ProMedia resource center in Gyumri. The trainees were provided by several books on computer operation. Trainees had several hours of instruction and practical exercises, they were shown and explained the work of MS Word and Internet. They also got a list of helpful Armenian and Russian sites. In March 2002, IREX continued classes on computer literacy for staff journalists from Yerevan newspapers. About 20 journalists attended classes and were taught basic word FOR ADDITIONAL INFORIUTTOV COMACI: Lmda TraL Deuutv. . Guector E-mail ItralSmli ore IRU( 2121 K Sheet, Nb', Suite 7W processing skills and use of the Internet as a research tool. The are also taught to use ProMedia database of articles published in Armenian print media. In February 2003, IREX's system administrator continued his bimonthly classes on computer literacy. A total of 40 journalists received computer training. Awards In January 2002, IREX announced journalism awards for the best articles written in 2001 in eight categories: public health, social issues, political analysis and commentary, the environment, conflict resolution regarding Karabakh, legal issues, women's rights and on-line journalism. The purpose of the contest was to stimulate journalists to strive to perform at higher levels and to reward those who were judged to do the best work. Total of awards of $ 9,500 were distributed to 40 journalists. lnvestigative reporting In October 2000, IREX invited four editors and founders of the Agency for lnvestigative Reporting in SkPetersburg, Russia, to conduct four days seminars. They talked about the origins of investigative reporting and how it was evolved in the US and Russia; discussed the means determining the sources of information and the various laws that apply to the availability of certain forms of information useful in investigation; told about techniques and practices that are employed by journalist; presented so called 'safety tips", which included western standards of objectivity, attribution and protection of sources. The participants had a short practice exercise with a press conference. The AIR representatives also held seminars for regional journalists and for students of journalism faculties in Yerevan and Gyumri Universities. In November 2001, IREXIProMedia sponsored Liana Doydoyan, a reporter and deputy director of the Association of Investigative Journalists, to participate in a computer assisted reporting classes provided by the European Center for Journalists. She learned Internet research skills to improve investigative stories written for the association's on- line newspaper. In March 2002, Eva Vajda, an investigative reporter from Budapest, conducted a week of seminars for five Armenian investigative reporters with full day discussions and instructions. The group discussed a variety of aspects of investigative journalism including story selection, finding sources of information and the ways of obtaining it from reluctant sources. In June 2002, seven Armenian journalists attended a two-week seminar in investigative reporting at the State University of St.Petersburg. Russia. The topics of the seminar included professional approach; peculiarities of reporting on the areas of social, political, economical, ecological and cultural issues; technical means; self-protection; working with sources of information. FOR ADDKIONAL NMRMATlON CONTACI: hdaTrd, Deputy IXrector E-mad lud&rer or8 Phone (21721 bXl6 Far (2326XI.W \\eb http / ww pmmdla org In June 2002, IREX sponsored four journalists to attend another seminar in investigative reporting conducted by the European Journalism Center. The seminar covered the following topics: investigative reporting as a state of mind, basics of investigative journalism, ethics, joys and problems of investigative reporting, case studies, sources of information and the use of computers in investigation. Election reporting In May 2002, former journalist Prof. Stephen Farnsworth of William Mary College was taught two weeks of election reporting for professional journalists in Yerevan and the regions on improving election coverage. He stressed objectivity and fairness, expanding coverage beyond the topics the politicians want covered, preparation of candidates' profiles, the utility of how to prepare 'ad watches" on television campaign ads. In June 2002. Lisa Schnellinger conducted a one-month seminar on election coverage. The immediate result of the training was a four-page, full color, tabloid size supplement that focused on local elections in three city districts. The supplement was the firstever. fully objective voters guide and the seminar participants were totally responsible for the publication from the concept, design and printing. In September 2002, IREX organized a team of four visiting consultants to work with 40 local reporters to produce a nation-wide supplement for the local and regional elections throughout Armenia. 75,000 copies were printed and approximately 50,000 out of them were inserted into the newspapers and the remaining 25.000 copies were distributed through local NGOs. IFES, participating journalists. The publication was well received. In Februarv 2003. IREX worked with 40 reoorters to ~ublisha s~ecialsuo~lement on the presidential elections. The supplement was a part of'~emorandumof understanding between USAlD and its implementina partners and the Central Election Commission of Armenia. The work was do'ne in conjkction with OSCE mission in Armenia. The reporters wrote stories on each of the main issues, earlier identified by voters in special questionnaires. The stories were based on voter comments with additional information obtained from neutral government sources and organizations. In April 2003, resident advisor Peter Eichstaedt and local program manager Naira Manucharova conducted seminars in preparation for the parliamentary special supplementary newspaper. They disckskd the concept of the publi&on, prepared questionnaire and quiz of voter knowledge of parliament. Similar seminars were conducted in Gyumri, Vanadzor, Sisian. Goris and Kapan. In May 2003. IREX published and distributed 75.000 copies of a special eight-page supplementary newspaper in connection with parliamentary elections. The supplement included the work of about 40 journalists from Yerevan and regions. In May 2003, IREX's resident advisor conducted one day seminar on election coverage for reporters in Goris. The group of journalists discussed possible story ideas and FOR ADDKIIONAL INFORMATION COhTACT: Linda Trd. Deputy [hrector E-mak Ib-dSm org IREX Phone: (2021 62Mlf.S 2121 K Sheet, NIV, Sute 7W Fax iX22l~ISS Washington, DC U03i \Veb: http:,' 'W-Y pmm&org ProMedialArmenia Funded By USAID strategies and showed two special election supplementary newspapers produced by themselves for parliamentary elections. Photo journalism In October 2002, photojournalist Mark Milstein conducted a series of one and two-day workshops in production, use and need for quality photography in Armenian newspapers. He also conducted an advanced level workshop in news photography and business skills for independent and freelance photographers. Designers were taught how to combine quality news photos with news stories. The designers searched and accessed photographs using the Internet, then were guided through the process of selecting and editing photos using Photoworkshop software. Workshops In November 2002, Professor Ray Leonard Teel and editors Ron Taylor presented a workshop titled. "Strengthening NGOs and Building Media Relationships." It was for journalists and NGOs to meet and discuss their concerns, needs and desires. The final result of the workshop was a special insert into newspapers that included stories about NGOs and their work written by participating journalists. In November 2002, IREX's resident advisor participated in a oneday, weekend workshop designed to assist Armenian journalists on how to write more interesting and thorough stories on the state budget. The workshop featured various visiting experts from the parliament and government and Armenian reporters. In January 2003, IREX cooperated with World Vision Armenian office and the National AIDS Prevention Center conducted a workshop for news media professionals on HIV/AIDS coverage in the press. The idea was to provide truthful information about HIVIAIDS and discuss with the Armenian journalists that the accuracy of their reporting was critical for HIVIAIDS prevention. The goal of the workshop was to publish a special supplement regarding HIVIAIDS prevention in Armenia and to generate social awareness of it. Publications In mid-2000, IREX published the first journalism textbook on westem-style, fact-based journalism in Armenian language as well as Russian. The text contained theoretical discussions as well as practical examples and exercises. 500 copies. In early 2001, IREX published the first journalism textbook on marketing and management for newspapers in Armenian language. 500 copies. In early 2001, IREX published the first Armenian language journalism text book on contemporary western-style newspaper design. 500 copies. FOR ADDmONAL INFORMATION COhTACT: Linda Trail, Deputy Director E-mall: lhddue\org IRM Phone: (172)62%SlRP, 2121 K Sheet, NW. Suite iOO Fax !x2: G541Y3 Washington, DC W037 \Veh: hftF' 'x~ncpmm& org ProMedialArmenia Funded By USAlD In January 2002, IREX's resident advisor and staff translator worked with students from masters degree program in journalism at Yerevan State University to publish their work in a magazine format. The magazine was a result of the investigative classes during the fall semester of 2001 when students wrote a joint investigative project on the status of children in Armenia. 500 copies. In November 2002, IREX published L.Teel and R.TaylorSsjournalism textbook 'Into the Newsroom: introduction to Journalism". It is a book on fact-based journalism and includes a wide range of chapters that provided a complete overview of all aspects of western-style journalism and newsroom management and organization. 1000 copies. In May 2003, IREX facilitated the publication of an eight-page student newspaper written and photographed by the journalist students of the Gyumri State Pedagogic Institute. Students wrote articles in fact-based, western style journalism and took accompanying photos. 2,000 copies. In June 2003, culminating nearly two years of work with students at the journalism department of the state Slavic Armenian University in Yerevan, IREWProMedia facilitated the publication of a two-page (broad sheet) section written by six journalism students. Articles were fact-based, western style as taught by staff Peter Eichstaedt. Naira Manuchavora, and Anna Satyan and published in Novoye Vremya under the title of "Youth Pages." Topics were on student life, work, leisure. AIDS and prostitution. sport, foreign students, and prospects for the future. In August 2003, IREX published a revised and expanded version of the original journalism text on basics of western style journalism, due to popular demand. 500 copies distributed to newspapers, universities and colleges throughout Armenia. Training of trainers In March 2003, IREX cosponsored with several other nonprofits organizations the first Caucasus-wide conference on reforms of journalism education programs in the Caucasus. Titled. 'Journalism Education in Transition." the conference was held in Tbilisi, Gerogia, and four Armenian journalism trainterleducators participated. As a result of the roundtable. Armenian participants applied to ProMedia to conduct another roundtable in Yerevan to continue the cooperation. . In July 2003, IREX sponsored a follow-up conference in Yerevan of 18 journalism educators from institutions of higher learning in the countries of Armenia. Georgia and Azerbaijan. Titled, 'Development of Academic Model of Journalism Education in the Region of the South Caucasus." the meeting was co-sponsored by the IREX Georgia and the Caucasus School of Journalism and Media Management, based in Tiblisi. Georgia, and was a follow-up to a similar conference in March of 2003 in Georgia. One of the major results of the conference, in addition to strengthening the cross-border ties in the journalism community in the south Caucasus, was the formation of a journalism educators association for the region. FOR ADDrrlONAL IhFORMATION COMACT: Lmda Trd, Deputy. . Dyertor E-4IhaXun lREX 2121 K Sheet, Nlf, Suite iOO Washgton, DC 20337 ProMedialArmenia Funded Bv USAlD Achieved results: Newspapers print more investigative stories, in-depth and feature stones that are more thoroughly researched and based on facts. Newspapers generally contain a better variety of news of various topics such as social issues, corruption, the environment and the economy. Most professional and working journalists participated in and training and programs in Armenia and abroad. Reporters conduct more research and better use the Internet. Newspaper and news agencies have Internet sites. Newspaper database createdlexpanded and available to all newspapers. News writing, management and design handbooks in Armenian provided to all newspapers and universities and colleges teaching journalism. Awards and grants provided for quality and investigative reporting on a wide range of issues of public interest. IV. Administrative Issues The IREWProMedia II program in Armenia began under the direction of journalist Janin Friend. In September 2000, she was replaced as Resident Advisor by Peter Eichstaedt. The transition was smooth. In March 2001, Local Program Manager kina Petrossian left the program and was replaced by Naira Manucharova. Again the transition was seamless. In August 2002, when the IREWProMedia Armenia program was due to condude. a one- year extension to the Cooperative Agreement was granted by USAID. The program concluded on August 29,2003. V. Conclusions Like democracy itself, free and independent news media in both the print and electronic forms. are slow to evolve in countries of the former Soviet Union. Left alone, the news media will continue to flounder and function as the tools of powerful political parties and personalities, and wealthy, influential individuals and special interest groups. This is especially true of small and underdeveloped countries such as Armenia These FSU countries were involuntarily cut off from the political and economic control of the all-encompassing communist system in the early 1990s, and while they welcomed and relished their new-found freedoms, most have been unable to establish viable democracies or free market economies. This has had a profound effect on the evolution of a free and independent press in Armenia. As stated in the introduction, the press has been operating in a fixed paradigm. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION COMACI: hdaTrd, Deputy Bredor E-mail hd8m org IRM Phew p?2) oX1B 2121 K Sheet hTV, Suite 7W Fat (32 &IF Washington DC M037 \\ eb hnp , u-+~,prom& erg ProMedialArmenia 6 Funded By USAlD IREX But over the past four years, due to a comprehensive, two-pronged approach, IREWProMedia ll has provided journalism skills and newspaper management training to most working journalists and editors in Armenia, as well as more than 100 student journalists, some of whom already work in the profession. This program has generated a subtle, but discernable change in how journalism is practiced. Journalists and editors are now familiar with most aspects of western-style, fact-based journalism and are slowly but surely incorporating their new skills, techniques and knowledge into their daily work. While they may not always employ these principles, journalists are more aware of the need to base stories on facts, to incorporate various points of view, and to provide readers with stories on a variety of topics and issues. At the least, IRWProMedia has forced journalists to rethink the way they work, and at best, caused them to change the way they think, report and write. And, as the economy in Armenia improves and an advertising base develops. journalists and editors are now in a position to make use of their new skills. Though the print media has increased income from advertising, largely with the help and encouragement of IRENProMedia II programs, they are still dependent on sponsors. Despite this, editor and publishers almost uniformly view their newspapers as business that must achieve economic independence in order to have editorial independence. The ultimate solution to this situation will be a robust economy with a competitive market system in all sectors. With this, newspapers and the electronic media will be in a position to compete for critical advertising revenue. As competitors for advertisers, they must also be competitors for readers, and as such, they must become more interesting to read, better designed, and become sources of objective news and useful information. If the goal of development aid from the United States is to support democracy and a free and independent news media, a concerted and consistent effort must be made to assist in the development of the news media in Armenia. Without this continued support and pressure to move toward independence, which is very much welcomed among the news media in Armenia, the progress that has been made could easily erode. The following recommendations are made: Provide a targeted program geared toward making Armenian media outlets as financially independent as possible, given the economic situation in the country. Continue an aggressive program of journalism training for reporters, editors, commercial managers and advertising sales following the western model and which building on the successes achieved by IRENProMedia II. Continue an aggressive program of journalism training in schools, universities and other educational institutions. Provide direct or indirect financial support in the form of loans andlor loan guarantees for print media outlets that actively adopt the western model. This requires a comprehensive overhaul of the newspaper, including internal organization, news writing and design, and traditional way of doing business. FOR A Focus efforts to support a newspaper operating on the westem model. The success of this model, which would generate income from advertising, would forever change the existing newspaper market. The idea is to establish a newspaper, based on a sound business plan, much like the USAlD sponsored the Gind printing plant in Yerevan. This would be done through a competitive bid process that would provide start-up capital to sustain a western-style, fact-based, general interest daily or weekly newspaper to produce for a one- to two-year period. The objective would be a self-sustaining newspaper at the end of the period. The newspaper would be a working laboratory and training facility for Armenian journalists, managers, distributors and advertising sales and marketing personnel who would work closely with visiting trainers and consultants. FOR ADDmONAL INFORMATION COhTACT: hdaTrail. Depuq Director E-marl Ibarl&ret erg IREX Phone 13216SblS 2121 K Skeet, hW,Suite 7W Fa\ iX2, r&%lEQ Washington DC M037 !\'eh http ,' a3.u prcdcrg ProMediaIArmenia Funded By USAID IREWProMedia II Indicator Chart-Armenia Project August 15, 2003 i&z'arget Actual iJLi'arget Actual Respublica Armenia) -~ # of newspapers which increase revenues and readership, lower costs after writing business plans, and start to wean themselves away from dependence on sponsors (Delavoy Express. Golos Armenii. Tsyke. Novoe Vremya, Respublica Armenii, Iravunk.) # of news services which gain subscribers to boost their sagging revenues (Arka. Armlnfo,~p~ MediaMax) #of newspapers which boost revenues by implementing targeted advertising and marketing survey strategies in Yerevan and regions. ~ ..~ !:OR Al)l>n'IONAI INPORMAIION <' INewsprint cooperative formed and operational. (Publisher's 10 Association formed, but not operat~onal. I% reduction in costsav~n~sby newspa;ers lnkpr1nt costs by useful information - # of newspapers which are redesigned to boost kiosk sales, and 0 graphicslphotos are improved. ( Novoe Vremya. Respublica Armenia have made minor design changes) #of newspapers which increase the number of investigative stories. 0 feature stories, and in-depth analysis on political economic and social issues in Yerevan and regions. (Azg. Novoye Vremya, Golos Armenii. Iravunk, ~espubkaArmenia. Yekir, Armen-ia~ow(on-line) I# of news services which publish more investigative and fact-based I0 stories for distribution to iewspaperslother subscribers and expand regional coverage. (MediaMax. Arminfo. Arka. MediaMax. PanArmenian News ) # of newspapers which improve news and feakre story Yerevan and resions. (Tsvke. Iravunk. Aravot. Novoe Vremva. Respublica ~rminia,dol& I%reduction in newsoa~ers)whichsell their stories [this ~ractgice 10 increased due to theel'ection cycle which began in the fall 2002 and will continue into spring 2003) #of potential Armenian journalists identified for scholarships and training.-- (total ~- who received # of Armenian journalists #of reporters who write - -- and better background after receiving Internet- training. ~-~ ProMediaIArmenia Funded By USAlD -~ ~- I# of news aaencies and news~a~erswhich introduce new Internet 10 13 12 13 12 ~73 sltes ( ~lread~on llne ~o~an~i~an,- .- Armlnfo, Arka, MedlaMax) I 1 IATP's news~a~er, . database IS ex~anded.(ProMedla Armenla 1 0 10 10 established its own newspaper data base &I March 1. 2001,so this indicator does not apply. It is available by logging onto ProMedia Armenia's webpage: promedia.am) #of additional newspapers which have access to the Internet. (All !0 5 5 6 7 now have Internet access. ) 1 I I I basic news wrltlnq and Armenian-Enallsh dlctlonaw of 10 1500 1500 1500 10 Is00 journalism terms is published and distributed. (~ddzionalpublicaiions copies copies copies have been assembled and completed in 2003, including handbooks each each on management, design and investigative reporting. New basic journalism was published Nov. I.2002. and a second in August. 2003) Journalists granted research awards complete and publish in-depth 0 3 articles in siqnificant public policy, soclal, and economic issues. I(~warded16 investigative repor6ng grants in July 2003.) I I I I