"The purpose of evaluating the Media Enabling Democracy, Inclusion, and Accountability in Moldova (MEDIA-M) activity is to assist the United States Agency for International Development in Moldova (USAID/Moldova) in understanding the extent to which the activity is on track to contribute to the Mission’s relevant Sub-IR-level results, namely: Sub-IR-1.1.1 and Sub-IR-1.3.1. The evaluation highlighted several key findings:
1. MEDIA-M enhanced the resilience of Moldova's information space, yet challenges like financial sustainability and foreign malign influence persist.
2. The program bolstered the media’s and society's ability to spot disinformation.
3. Diverse media content emerged, supported by robust advocacy and oversight.
4. While technological aid was effective, broader strategies for financial diversification are needed.
5. MEDIA-M successfully advanced media literacy nationwide.
6. More Russian-language content is required, particularly in Russian-speaking regions.
7. Engaging more with regional media can curb misinformation and enhance local accountability.
The evaluation suggests that USAID/Moldova continue to prioritize the bolstering of independent journalism, emphasizing impactful storytelling and media literacy, especially within underserved communities. Equipping media organizations to combat disinformation, diversifying their financial models, and amplifying technical and managerial capacities should be emphasized. Tailored training for media and civil society organizations, alongside collaborations among various stakeholders, will reinforce ethical and transparent media practices. Investing in local content, bridging connections between major and regional media, and aiding Russian-speaking professionals are pivotal in integrating diverse narratives into the national discourse. Integrating modern technical tools, from cybersecurity to artificial intelligence, is essential for media adaptability. Above all, a concerted effort to heighten media literacy across all segments, leveraging journalists as catalysts, can fortify critical thinking and the overall resilience of the information space." (Abstract, page 3)