The Consultants


David Brewer’s journalistic and managerial experience spans newspapers, radio, television, and online. David was the launch managing editor of BBC News Online in 1997, and moved to CNN, as managing editor, to set up CNN.com Europe, Middle East and Africa and CNNArabic.com. He was an editorial consultant for the launch of Al Jazeera English in 2006 and continues to work with Al Jazeera English as a new media consultant. David has been working in media development since 2002 and has clients worldwide.

Claus Sølvsteen has developed strategies and concepts for new media since 1991. He is a frequent advisor and speaker about the convergence of new and old media, and has conducted workshops about the subject in China, Russia, Nigeria, Egypt, Bosnia, Serbia and Montenegro. Claus has worked with a variety of media organizations and is famously known as the first Dane to have had a private internet e-mail address (inet001@uni-c.dk).

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FAQ 
 Q: Why are they called clinics?


A: Media development clinics work in the same way as a visit to the doctor’s surgery, where a diagnosis is made based on a patient’s symptoms. The doctor does not carry out the treatment, but advises on what measures to take. WAN-IFRA media consultants will similarly offer specific solutions to problems presented by clinic attendees.

Q: Who are the clinics for?


A: The clinics are designed for the decision-makers of independent media organizations in transition and post-conflict countries, developing countries and areas where freedom of expression is under threat. The aim is to offer practical diagnostics, based on tried and tested solutions, which can be implemented by media managers and senior editorial staff.

Q: What will the clinics cover?


A: The clinic will offer guidance on editorial and business strategies, as follows:

  Editorial strategy

  Defining the core editorial proposition that sets a media organization apart from the competition

  Creating a converged newsroom, and newsroom reorganization aimed at reducing duplication, cutting costs, increasing efficiency, improving quality control, and creating new products

  News organization, roles & responsibilities

  Introducing systems (multiplatform authoring) to publish/broadcast to multiple devices

  Issue-led journalism: How to inform the public debate with reliable, impartial and objective journalism

  Business Strategy

  Knowing your target audience

  Knowing the market

  Choosing the right channels for the right audience (Web, E-mail, SMS, Twitter, Youtube, Facebook...)

  Knowing the value of your media products

  Monetizing digital media

Q: How do the clinics work?


A: Clinic attendees will have a 30-minute one-on-one consultation with David or Claus, both of whom have a long track record in delivering editorial and business solutions for media organizations worldwide, particularly in the so-called developing world. To ensure the most relevant advice, attendees are asked to provide as much background information about their organization as possible beforehand, by clearly stating their needs and challenges, and describing steps already taken. A WAN-IFRA facilitator will draw up an individual action plan for the attendee, based on notes taken during the session.

Q: Will there be follow-up?


A: Clinic attendees are offered the option of a free follow-up three months after the session. The consultants will also be available for some support via email.