Photo Credit, iStock photo The ECA Evaluation Division has released findings from an independent evaluation of three of the Bureau’s major journalism and media exchange programs: the International Visitor Leadership Program, Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists, and Citizen Exchange Program. These programs bring foreign journalists and media professionals to America to strengthen their knowledge of the United States, its media, and the role of the press in a democracy.

The report reveals that more than half of surveyed exchange participants engage in activities that promote greater press freedom once they return home. Three-quarters of Citizen Exchange participants (76%) have encouraged greater access to public records. Others are working towards strengthening associations for journalists and media professionals, advocating for freedom of information, and calling for the protection of journalist’s rights.

Exchange participants have expanded beyond their own practice to share knowledge and experiences with their professional peers. Nearly half (44%) of Murrow participants shared their knowledge and experience by training co-workers in their organizations.

Journalists have also translated their exchange experiences into changes within their organizations. Five out of ten IVLP participants (55%) have convinced their offices to adopt new professional and ethical standards.

Participants have utilized the knowledge gained during their exchanges in order to achieve more accurate and objective reporting.  They reported applying their enhanced knowledge and skills toward better information analysis, the pursuit of credible sources, and posing effective questions.

Conducted by the independent research firm InterMedia over a two-year period, the evaluation encompassed surveys, face-to-face interviews, and focus groups with 75 journalists and media experts in four countries—two of which ranked as "partly free" and two as "not free" on Freedom House’s 2007 Freedom of Press Index.

The results from the evaluation shed light on the ways in which the Bureau’s journalism and media programs help to amplify the voice of citizens to promote change from within.

The full report and its executive summary are available for download.