Media Turn to Internews in Crisis
Over the course of 40 years, Internews has partnered with thousands of journalists, media outlets, and technology pioneers in more than 100 countries. Many of these information entrepreneurs live in low-income communities, conflict zones, or areas plagued by humanitarian disasters. In times of crisis, these partners turn to us for help, whether it’s emergency financial support, digital security, or creative ways to maintain news production under incredibly challenging conditions.
From Afghanistan to Ukraine, Funds are Needed to Cover Urgent Crises
When it comes to supporting local media, Internews is committed to working where information is most at threat. Every year, Internews provides urgent support at a moment’s notice:
- When Russia invaded Ukraine, Internews immediately spent hundreds of thousands delivering safety kits to journalists.
- When the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan, Internews spent nearly $800,000 on emergency living stipends, flight support, and lodging to evacuate journalists at extreme risk.
- After the coup in Myanmar, Internews provided $200,000 in emergency services to protect the digital safety of journalists and activists.
- When COVID-19 devastated the news business, Internews immediately issued $100,000 in small grants to keep vital community-based outlets open.
The funds needed for this type of urgent response are not found in our traditional grant funding. With each crisis, we scramble for resources at a time that we should be laser-focused on saving people’s lives and livelihoods. In 2022, we aim to change that.
A Campaign for a $4 Million Emergency Fund for Independent Media
We estimate that a $4 million fund will allow us to meet these needs over the long term. For our 40th anniversary, we are challenging our long-term supporters — and people everywhere who care about protecting independent media — to rise to the occasion. This unrestricted fund will enable Internews to work where information is most at threat — no matter the crisis.
