PROGRAMS

I'lam's programming encompasses the following broad categories:

• Media research
• Empowerment Program
• Media Rights Program
• Outreach / International Relations
• Special Feature: “Responsible and Professional Media” Project  

I. Media Research

I'lam is conducting comprehensive and extensive media research of the Arabic and the Hebrew media landscapes. This ambitious undertaking is part of the EU-funded project “Responsible and Professional Media”.

The research is divided in three parts:

• Media Monitoring of Arabic and Hebrew media in Israel
• Public Opinion Poll among Arab media consumers in Israel
• Survey of Journalists from the Arabic and Hebrew media in Israel .

The research includes different complementary elements providing ground-breaking perspective to a very complex matter.

The research is unique in that this is the first time that the local Arabic media in Israel is monitored, and the first time that a critical survey of Arab media consumption, satisfaction and perceptions of credibility is conducted.

This diagnosis of the state of affairs of the Hebrew and Arabic media landscapes will guide and inform I'lam's programming, helping our organization to adjust activities accordingly.

1. Media monitoring: Arabic-language local newspapers and Hebrew media

Monitoring of Arabic newspapers began in September 2004 and will cover September, October, November and December 2004 and January and February 2005. Monitoring of Hebrew Newspapers began in October 2004 and will cover October, November December 2004 and March, April and May 2005. Monitoring of three TV Channels started in March 2005 and will run for 10 weeks until the end of August 2005.

Researcher Dr. Amal Jamal developed a total of nine codebooks used to examine media content as follows:

Monitoring of the Hebrew media focused on representations of Arab citizens in newspapers (Ha'aretz, Ma'ariv and Yediot Aharonot), as well as television news, and a selection of current affairs programs on Channels One, Two and Ten.

Monitoring of the Arabic-language media focused on reporting of issues related to leadership, women, house demolitions, land confiscations, Arab protest activities, factionalism and political detentions.

Monitoring data is fed into a computerized SPSS program. Preliminary analysis is underway. Findings will be released in several reports in the near future.

2. Public Opinion Poll (among Arab media consumers in Israel )

The public opinion poll on media consumption and exposure in the Arab community, composed of some 250 questions, was conducted between December 2004 and January 2005. The data collected has been analyzed. A full report will be released in November 2005. View summary of preliminary findings >>

3. Survey among journalists from the Arabic and Hebrew media in Israel.

Preparations for interviews with journalists from the Arabic and Hebrew media are underway and due to take place in early 2006.

II. Empowerment Program

Through this program we aim to empower Arab society, particularly Arab journalists, by promoting equal access to the Israeli media, by encouraging the free flow of information and representation at media bodies and institutions, and through the fostering of professional standards.

The Empowerment Program can be outlined as follows:

III. Media Rights program

Advancing Communicational Rights for Arab Journalists and Society in Israel

In order to ensure long-term sustainability of democratic and pluralistic media reforms, the Israeli government must ensure certain conditions. These conditions, which form the foundation of free and responsible media, are best ensured by democratic media laws and regulations that uphold freedom of expression, freedom of information, and human and minority rights. To realize these conditions in the Israeli media and political system important changes in state policies must be initiated. It is with this general aim in mind that the Media Rights Program works to influence the current media policy of the Israeli government towards impartiality, fairness, and equity through advocacy and lobbying work . These efforts, carried out on a regular basis, include:

• Monitoring government policies, amendments, implementation, and other actions that relate to media.
• Monitoring violations against freedom of expression and freedom of information in Israel , especially those that impact Arab media outlets and journalists. In cases of wrongdoings, I'lam sends petitions and complaints to responsible media bodies, addresses the Council for journalists, and requests hearings at the Knesset, while networking with international partners for support.
• Analysis of existing and planned media policies and their implications for the Arab media landscape
• Developing and promoting amendments to foster democratic principles, and promote human and minority rights.
• Advancing the implementation of media laws and regulations
• Building a network of media organizations, journalists, NGOs, opinion leaders, Knesset members, and professionals and academics for consultation, support, and lobbying.

Improving Coverage of Arab Citizens in the Hebrew and Foreign Media

The Media Rights program aims to promote fair coverage of issues important to Arab citizens , including human rights issues currently marginalized in the Hebrew media. In order to identify specific subjects of concern, I'lam follows the Hebrew media daily, comparing the information therein to other sources of information, namely the local Arabic media, Arab NGOs, and Arab Knesset Members. Analysis of the coverage around special events such as Land Day and Naqba Day is also undertaken. The specific aims of this initiative are:

• To promote a quantitative and qualitative improvement in the coverage of issues important to the Arab Palestinian citizens of Israel.
• To raise awareness of these issues among journalists and editors from the Hebrew media through tours for journalists and other initiatives.

1. Weekly Newsletter (Giluy Naoot) for the Hebrew Media

Newsworthy stories related to the Arab Palestinian society in Israel are selected, compiled, translated into Hebrew, and disseminated electronically every week to over 83 journalists and editors in the Hebrew media. The issues presented in the newsletter are designed for inclusion in the output of major Hebrew media outlets. Each brief is followed by detailed contact information so that journalists may easily attain further information. View previous newsletters >>

2. Reactions, reports and Position papers for the media

I'lam continually sends reactions to the Hebrew media in cases of unprofessional coverage of issues related to Arab citizens of Israel . An example of such reactions is the following case:

“In January, I'lam sent a complaint to Reshet Bet expressing disapproval with the poor professional performance of journalist Leat Regev during an interview with Likud Knesset Member Mjali Wahbi on December 22. During the interview MK Wahbi accused local Arabic media of attacking Israel and implicitly advocated for the conditioning of government advertising allocations on the political attitude of given Arabic media outlets. The journalist failed to investigate and question such a severe and generalized allegation or to uphold the democratic right of freedom of expression on the part of Arab editorialists and journalists. Nine Arab media institutions and the Arab Follow-up Committee endorsed our document, which was also sent to the Israeli Press Council and published by Ma'ariv.”

I'lam also composes and releases position papers following major developments relevant to the media and Arab citizens of Israel . The aim of these papers is to increase discussion and public awareness and outline the position of I'lam. View position papers (Hebrew or Arabic) >>

3. Tour for Editors and Journalists from the Hebrew media

In 2004, I'lam initiated guided tours for journalists and editors working at the Hebrew, Arabic and foreign media. These tours are designed to express the desire of the Arab Palestinian society in Israel to present and represent itself, to raise awareness about pressing issues and realities facing Arab citizens, and to facilitate encounters and dialogue between Arab representatives, journalists, and opinion leaders.

Media Laws, Policies & Regulations: Advocacy Work

Some background information:

• This program supports impartiality, fairness, and equity within Israeli media policy in conformity with democratic values.
• The roundtable on “How to Respond to Israeli Media Policies,” was held in April 2004. The meeting was attended by the I'lam board and staff, as well as journalists and lawyers. The participants agreed that it was necessary to develop a (singular) strategy to respond to the changing Israeli media policy. Participants emphasized the importance of local publications, taking into account community reactions to the media, strengthening and promoting the Forum of Journalists and developing legal actions.
• Since August 2004, I'lam has also been an active member of the “Media Coalition,” a network of organizations working in the field of media in Israel , built by Agenda, Keshev, Shatil, the Reformist Movement and Yadid.
• I'lam's procedure for increasing Arab representation and number of Arab workers at all channels (Channels One, Two, Ten and the companies involved) and media institutions (such as the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, and the Second Broadcasting Authority) is:
  
  1. To gather data and assess the situation and shortcomings to be addressed, and to then prepare position papers and submit lists of Arab human resources that could be included / employed in these media institutions;
  2. To arrange meetings with responsible authorities / bodies and present to them our position;
  3. To follow-up on developments;
  4. Finally, I'lam will compare the current state-of-affairs against the legal obligations of these institutions. In cases where there is a discrepancy, I'lam will initiate legal steps.

I'lam is currently working on the following issues/bodies:

• Israeli Broadcasting Authority
• Second Broadcasting Authority and Channel 2
• Arab representation in media regulatory bodies
• Percentage of Arab Workers in Media Institutions
• Percentage and quality of Arabic programming on Israeli channels
• Development of an Arabic channel
• Lapam: Official Advertisement Authority

IV. Networking & International Relations

A vital part of I'lam's success involves informing relevant parties of our activities and programs. This is where our Networking and International Relations efforts come into effect.

Networking efforts ensure that NGOs, civil society groups, government bodies and the media in Israel are aware of our projects, thus increasing the potential for collaborative and / or complementary efforts.

I'lam is committed to the production, publication, and distribution of comprehensive media information and analysis through roundtables, conferences, seminars, research, and reports.

Our International Relations program ties I'lam into a global network pushing for media plurality and accountability. Through joint projects, funding and general networking, organisations on different sides of the world can pool resources and expertise to better advocate for necessary change.

If your organization could benefit from a working relationship with I'lam, please contact us by clicking here .

V. Special feature: “Responsible and Professional Media” project

The “Responsible and Professional Media” project was launched on the 3 rd of May, 2004, World Press Freedom Day. This is a special date that is universally recognized as an occasion to celebrate the fundamental principle of freedom of expression. Like so many other organizations I'lam marks this date by encouraging initiatives in favor of press freedom. The Responsible and Professional Media project, one such initiative, aims to develop respect for press freedom, media professionalism, and journalistic ethics within Israel . The project, guided by a holistic approach, addresses these areas at the local, national and political levels.

This project is funded by the European Union, through the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) with additional support from the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. [Include EU logo and the following weblink: http://europa.eu.int/comm/europeaid/projects/index_en.htm ] More…

The “Responsible and Professional Media” project was selected, from a total of 580 proposals submitted under the theme of “Support for Democratisation and, Good Governance and the Rule of Law”. The project is a strong reflection of the shared goals of I'lam and the European Union; two organizations working to strengthen democratization and promote human rights.

This project is a comprehensive intertwining of activities at the local, national and political levels including:

1. Local Arabic Media

• Media Monitor and Survey
• Codes of Ethics and Best Practices
• Forum of Journalists
• Intensive Training for Arab Journalists
• Media Education Pilot for Arab Palestinian Children
• Documentaries
• Legal Advice

2. Hebrew Media

Media Monitor and Survey

Codes of Ethics and Best Practices

3. Israeli Executive and Legislative Bodies

Advocacy

Conferences and Seminars

Gender Sensitive Programming

Codes of Ethics and Best Practices

A Code of Ethics and Best Practices will be developed based upon the results of the initial monitoring and surveying program. This index will serve to guide and support local Arab journalists in their daily work and will include ethical codes, issues of public interest, and specific recommendations to improve their work. The suggested guidelines will be published in booklet form and disseminated among media professionals, media institutions, opinion leaders, media students, and other key groups.

Forum of Journalists

On 12 March, 2004 , the Forum of Journalists was launched. The uniqueness of this forum lies in the opportunity to give Arab journalists an independent platform to organize, discuss pressing issues, and build a strong front from which they may formulate their needs and demand their rights. Through the Forum, I'lam aims to widen perspectives and strengthen the commitment of Arab journalists towards their own society from within, and towards progressive and democratic norms. Through an inclusive and participatory approach, we aim to raise awareness about the role of local journalists to bring about sustainable social change. This framework also provides Arab journalists the opportunity to have valuable exchange and critical dialogue with journalists from the Hebrew media and foreign journalists.

In the first meeting, participants outlined the official aims of the group:

• To form an open forum for cooperation and dialogue between Arab journalists in Israel .
• To develop professional training programs that respond to the needs of local journalists.
• To develop a document of media ethics for Arab journalists and media institutions.
• To develop networks of Arab and foreign journalists
• To initiate critical dialogue and cooperative efforts with journalists
• To formulate a basic document on the rights of Arab media practitioners.

The Forum of Journalists, which has convened five times (March 12, April 24, May 28, September 13, and September 27) in 2004, is consistently well-attended, with a core group of nearly 20 Arab journalists.

This activity will be part of the “Responsible and Professional Media” Project starting in May 2005.

Intensive Training for Arab Journalists

The first stage of I'lam's intensive training program has reached its end with nineteen sessions completed. The project offers Arab journalists working in Israel the opportunity to acquire / upgrade practical skills, while fostering a greater awareness of human rights, democracy and the requirements of professional journalism.

Fifteen Arab journalists, with between two and twenty years working experience in the media, participated in this program. The participants are from various regions of the country and include four women.

Topics of discussion have included censorship, human rights, ethics, history, story selection, information resources and defining qualities of investigative journalism. The lecturers and trainers are all professional journalists and media academics. Each session includes theoretical instruction, practical training, and a workshop to develop and implement what has been learnt.

The second stage of the course involves a month-long internship in an Arab language newspaper in the Arab world/Europe for select course participants.

Through this two-stage training participants will build their capacities in a significant way, increasing their possibilities to develop professionally. In the long term, this group of journalists will be better-qualified to take a leading role in the media landscape and for decision making positions. This group will also serve to set higher working standards for their colleagues, and encourage overall professional development.

Media Education Pilot for Arab Palestinian Children

With the high consumption of audiovisual media within Israel , it is essential to promote conscious media consumption among Arab children and youth. In order to promote media literacy and to introduce the world of journalism and media at Arab schools, the Responsible and Professional Media project will develop a model for media literacy, implementing a pilot program in 3 local Arab schools. The target group, children between 10 and 13 years old, consists of approximately 400 students. The project features:

• Introduction to newspapers, books and alternative TV programs
• Introduction of practical skills, such as newspaper editing
• Class trips tolocal media institutions

The development of a Media Program for children and its pilot implementation is a significant step towards responsible media education aimed at improving the critical consciousness and general living standards of Arab children.

Documentaries

To counter misunderstanding and cultural stereotypes, I'lam will produce three documentaries intended to transport valid images and overcome prejudices towards Arab citizens of Israel . The films will treat Arab minority issues from a human and minority rights perspective and will be screened at schools, conferences, seminars, and workshops, and also be presented to international committees and forums, as well as to the major Israeli TV channels.

I'lam finalized the production of a 53-minute documentary film about the Negev . Scriptwriter and Director Nada Al Yassir and her team explores in a breath-taking film the struggle of Arabs in the Negev (especially those living in Unrecognized Villages), for the recognition of their indigenous land rights and how the people there contend and cope with actions undertaken by the Israeli authorities that contravene those

Legal Advice

The Arab minority in Israel has been consistently misrepresented in the media. In general, victims of media misconduct tend not react or complain, remaining largely unaware of their rights, and removed from the means by which to confront the media. Arab journalists, f or the most part, lack concrete knowledge and awareness about their communication and occupational rights. Journalists, and even editors, very often refrain from seeking legal advice and help when they face discrimination, closures, or are impaired in carrying out their work. The “Responsible and Professional Media” project will encourage media victims to defend themselves and to play an active role in defining their relationship to the media. In addition, I'lam's staff will provide much needed legal advice to Arab journalists, encouraging them to proactively defend their rights.

Code of Ethics and Best Practices

Based upon the results of the monitoring and survey efforts, “Code of Ethics” will be prepared for media practitioners. This catalog of best practices will offer tools and specific guidelines for journalists to help them in their daily work, and provide solid groundwork for reporters in covering and reporting on the “Other”. The codes will be published in booklet form and disseminated among journalists, media people, and media students.

Conferences and Seminars

I'lam has planned a series of outreach activities to take place throughout the three-year project. Two one-day conferences on “Media and Minority / Human Rights” will be held at the end of the first two years. Towards the end of the third year, a longer seminar will take place in which experts from Israel and abroad will convene to discuss coverage of human and minority rights issues, with a focus on how they pertain to the Arab citizens of Israel . Participants will exchange ideas and experiences, and defining future strategies and specific actions.

Gender Sensitive Programming

Sustainable reforms within the media and mass communication requires the full and equal participation of women. As an organization, I'lam actively promotes Arab women's issues within the media, from the qualitative and quantitative concerns of gender coverage, to the massive underrepresentation of women workers within media institutions. With the ultimate goal of full gender equality, I'lam aims (1) to increase the participation of women, (2) to improve the access of Arab women to vital media resources (career opportunities, information, financing, technology), (3) to raise awareness and strengthen the rights of women, and (4) to influence gender stereotyping in the media through gender awareness trainings for men and women journalists. The present project works to reduce existing gender inequalities through the inclusion of women in all activities and at all levels. Specific efforts include, among others, research on how Arab media covers women and women's issues; clear participation goals for women in the forum of journalists and gender awareness training in the curriculum of trainings for journalists.

ENDS