Information &amp; Dialogue

Une correspondante de la radio régionale tunisienne interviewe des manifestants à Gafsa, à 350 km au sud de Tunis, le 16 juin 2015. © Fondation Hirondelle / Gwenn Dubourthoumieu Fondation Hirondelle produces and broadcasts news, information and dialogue programs that allow populations facing crisis to better understand their environment and to act in their daily lives and as citizens. This is the heart of our mission and our first focus. Our expertise is founded in over 25 years of journalistic activities in zones of war or post-conflict areas, and countries in humanitarian crisis or in transition to democracy.

In these situations, access to information that is factual, verified, and non-partisan, can sometimes be vitally important for populations who have to know with certitude what is happening in their closest environment. Is my life or that of those around me in danger? What are some possible actions I can take to tackle problems that I have to face or participate in the development of my town, region, and country? Through responsible and rigorous journalism, we allow the production and dissemination of this sometimes vital information that is always essential for the development of more peaceful societies.

Being given the opportunity to debate with other components of society, to hear the viewpoints, problems and needs of others, or question politicians, public service organizations and economic representatives, allows everyone to feel that they are heard and respected. It also renews their belief that consensual and peaceful solutions can be found to problems at the root of the crisis. The media, media platforms, and public events we are implementing are intended to create and develop these spaces for dialogue reaching a broad audience and thus connect the various components of societies in which we work.

Principles

Programs produced by journalists from the country or the concerned region
In the languages of the concerned audience, involving the need for translation of the same content into multiple languages
Within a framework ensuring total editorial independence
Use of the most adequate media solutions for the populations concerned: radio, television, Internet, and/or social networks
Live broadcast is privileged for audiovisual programs
Covering news and information that directly concerns the audience
Strict separation between facts and comments. Our journalists do not broadcast their opinions
Verification of information from different sources
Precision and clarity of information: always answer the basic questions (who, what, when, where, how)
Fair share of speaking time between participants in debate programmes
Giving priority to the voice of the people, especially the most marginalized communities
Promoting interactivity

Activities

News production

Factual and balanced news analysis
Covering news and information in a way that helps the development of societies
Covering the most pertinent international, national and local issues

Dialogue programs

Programmes that facilitate dialogue between parties in conflict
Political debates during election periods and between elections
Analysis of sensitive social issues
Programmes highlighting the cultural diversity of societies
Interactive public debates

Magazine

Expert interviews
Features on specific issues
Practical information

Awareness campaigns

Production of spots, radio features and videos on topics of general interest
Shared on social networks
In partnership with representatives of civil society, on the issues that affect them