International Media Support IMS

International Media Support (IMS) is a non-profit organisation working to support local media in countries affected by armed conflict, human insecurity and political transition. Across four continents, IMS helps to promote press freedom, strengthen professional journalism and ensure that media can operate in challenging circumstances.

IMS was established in 2001 in the wake of the tragic events in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia. In the 1990s, these and other conflicts saw media being manipulated and used as a tool to fuel violent conflict. IMS was set up in response to this trend with the aim to help local media working in conflict-affected areas to remain operative and professional.

Freedom of Expression and a free press are key elements in the democratic development of a country. To achieve this, we work to enable media to reduce conflict, strengthen democracy and bring about dialogue in close partnership with local media and media support organisations nationally as well as internationally. We take a broad sector approach to media development. This means that all the building blocks that make up the media sector must be addressed to achieve well-functioning and independent media and that ensure a free media environment, a strong media infrastructure and professional media content.

Our vision is to have the right to freedom of expression and the free and uncensored flow of information enjoyed by everyone.  Our mission is to strengthen the capacity of media to reduce conflict, strengthen democracy and facilitate dialogue.