Start date:  October 10, 2012     End Date:   April 10, 2015
Anticipated Project budget (Life of Project):  $198,089
Implementer:  Metamorphosis, Foundation for Internet and Society.

Objectives

The goal of the overall SIMM project is to increase the legitimacy of the media and strengthen freedom of expression by empowering journalists to reduce their vulnerability to political, economic and legal intimidation.  The project has three components:

1. Media Fact Checking Service
2. Investigative Journalism and Cooperation Between Media and Civil Society
3. Media Legal Reform and Responsible Media

Component 1

The SIMM component for the Media Fact Checking Service aims to empower Macedonian citizens to hold the media accountable, and to aid journalists in adhering to their professional standards, by providing online tools and resources for public education and awareness raising. The component will establish an online Media Fact-Checking Service, aimed at increasing citizen demand for fact-based, objective and professional news and information.

Expected Results/Impact

A Media Fact-Checking Service will provide professional analyses of media content and public education through the work of a team of seasoned journalists, columnists, bloggers, and relevant experts.  Relevant watchdog civil society organizations will give special focus to articles covering human rights issues. Journalists will conduct peer reviews and evaluations regarding the accuracy and truthfulness of the published and aired information based on available sources.

Contact Information

Contact at USAID:  Sladjana Srbinoska, AOR ssrbinoska@usaid.gov
Chief of Party:  Filip Stojanovski filip@metamorphosis.org.mk
Information Officer:  Vladimir Petreski vladimir@metamorphosis.org.mk
Website:  www.metamorphosis.org.mk/