PRESS RELEASE
Eurasia Foundation
56 Zarobyan Str., Yerevan 0009, Armenia
Contact: Alisa Alaverdyan
Tel/Fax: (374 10) 586095
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
Eurasia Foundation Strengthens Local Newspapers in Armenia’s Regions
Yerevan, Armenia – In July 2007, Eurasia Foundation’s Representative Office
in Armenia awarded more than $70,000 to six regional newspapers for the
purpose of improving their financial sustainability and increasing their
overall circulation. With support from EF Armenia, six media outlets in the
Shirak, Syunik, Lori and Gegharkunik regions will develop improved retail
and subscription systems and strengthen partnerships for information
exchange with peer newspapers in Armenia.
The selected media outlets will implement a range of activities including
the development of marketing strategies, market research into the
advertising needs and interests of businesses, and series of public forums
to improve the flow of information on local events between the newspapers
and community members. In some communities special "Reader Stands" will be
installed in order to publicize the contents of upcoming issues of the
newspapers. With EF support, selected media outlets will create web-based
versions of their newspapers.
"Strong and independent print media outlets in Armenia’s regions are
critical to keeping rural communities informed about both local and national
events. By providing support and training to Armenia’s regional newspapers,
Eurasia Foundation hopes to improve their quality and content as well as
their ability to attract additional income through advertisements and
increased circulation," says Juliet Stein, Eurasia Foundation’s Acting
Country Director in Armenia.
The media outlets were selected by Eurasia Foundation through a grant
competition following their participation in a series of intensive training
workshops on reporting, marketing, management and design / layout. These
workshops helped twenty-eight regional print media outlets improve the
overall quality of their reporting, increase the percentage of revenue that
these newspapers generate from sales and advertisements, and improve the
newspapers’ overall management systems.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
