Independent Journalism: How do journalists acquire independence of thought in parts of the world where media are aligned with the government in power or an opposition political party? The end of communism did not herald a renaissance of independent thinking. If anything, the political and social order fragmented into dozens of pieces, each piece often representing not necessarily distinct ideas but perhaps distinct political personalities and individuals. There are a variety of political parties in many transitional countries, many with similar names (Social Democrat Party and the Democrat Social Party are two distinct minor parties in Montenegro). Add to this, the land-grab for an economic stake—through privatization of former state industries and the granting of licenses or business permits to operate radio and television stations, newspapers and magazines. It gets complicated.

In transitional and developing areas, media centers are often funded by donor governments--such as the U.S., UK, Denmark, Germany or others. The media centers offer a haven and resource center for journalists, who may have limited resources through their employer. These include a professional development library, Internet access, and a legislative voice to oppose limitations on media. Media centers are also training facilities where journalists can attend workshops and where NGOs or government officials can find well-organized facilities for holding a press conference. For organizations working to improve the quality of life, it’s not enough to just have a good story. Often you must hold a press conference to create awareness and interest in the story. (It’s part of a research area called agenda building.)

When I’ve been lucky enough to make the training trips that I do, my workshops are usually held at such training centers. In Lusaka, Zambia, I worked at ZAMCOM. In Belgrade, I’ve been at the offices of NUNS (the Independent Journalists Association of Serbia, http://www.nuns.org.yu/), in Nis, at the Media Center Nis (Media Center Nis was initially funded through the U.S. Agency for International Development, http://www.mcnis.org.yu/eng/). Here is Podgorica, I’m making arrangements now to work through the Montenetrgro Media Institute (http://www.mminstitute.org/). The challenge for media centers is to become self-sustaining. The centers are usually organized as non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Eventually, donor funding ends. The challenge: Can the media center find enough financial support from training courses, local media memberships, and projects the center might initiate, to fund its activities. I hope so.