USAID [to 3 May 2014]
http://www.usaid.gov/

Press Releases
USAID Increases Support for Media and Press Freedom in Ukraine
Friday, May 2, 2014
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing an additional $1.25 million to the U-MEDIA program in Ukraine, a project of Internews and its Ukrainian partner organizations aimed at supporting Ukrainian media outlets as they prepare for the Ukrainian presidential election on May 25th. Members of the media in Ukraine have faced serious challenges and dangers over the past several months. More than 500 journalists have been harassed, beaten, abducted and one journalist killed, since November. Media outlets have been attacked and news-gathering equipment has been seized or destroyed

USAID Selects 2014 Payne Fellows
May 1, 2014
A distinguished panel, chaired by retired Senior Foreign Service Officer Wayne King, selected five 2014 USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Fellows. This selection followed a rigorous competition that included over 275 applicants from around the United States and the world. The panel reviewed their applications, selected 18 finalists, and conducted a three-day assessment, which included interviews, timed essays, and group exercises.

Impact Blog
Why Free Media Matters
May 2, 2014 — Mark Koenig
Media independence has been tied to social stability, improved governance and reduced corruption, better health outcomes, faster economic growth and fewer famines. USAID’s support of open media environments in 31 countries around the world is having real impact on the lives of real people.

The Syrian Conflict Through the Lens of Women and Girls
May 2, 2014 — Carla Koppell, Chief Strategy Officer and Allison Salyer, Gender Advisor, USAID Task Force on Syria
The crisis in Syria presents humanitarian, developmental and demographic challenges particularly for women and children, who have been exposed to serious risks while fleeing their homes, in camps, and in unfamiliar countries’ cities and towns. Two USAID leaders recently visited Jordan and Turkey..