Supporting Journalistic Excellence and Media Innovation Across the Pan-Caribbean
The Media Institute of the Caribbean (MIC), based in Jamaica and serving the wider Pan-Caribbean region, has established itself as a key advocate and support hub for journalism in the region. Founded in 2012, MIC is a General Member of the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD) and plays a pivotal role in strengthening democratic values through media development.
Mission and Approach
MIC’s mission is to strengthen Caribbean democracy by supporting an innovative and independent media
industry through the provision of resources, training, and support for journalists, communicators, and media leaders.
Its work centres on the following pillars:
- Improving journalistic standards across the Caribbean through training and mentorship.
- Empowering investigative journalism to foster transparency and accountability in the region.
- Creating safe spaces for dialogue, especially around press freedom and professional challenges.
- Fostering innovation in media, by facilitating media incubators, supporting entrepreneurs, and promoting innovative storytelling for global audiences.
- Building networks of journalists across the Caribbean, creating a vibrant community that benefits from international best
practices. - Building resilient media leadership by supporting newsroom managers and owners.
- Addressing societal issues aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly where there is limited media coverage.
MIC is also an advocate for freedom of information and media and information literacy, and has built a strong, supportive network for journalists navigating today’s complex challenges.
MIC worked with UNESCO with the support of the New Zealand High Commission to address disaster communications and resilience in the Charles Town Maroon Community in Jamaica.
Flagship Projects
One of MIC’s standout initiatives is its Investigative Journalism Fellowship, a selective program designed for the “best of the best” in Caribbean journalism. This executive-level fellowship helps journalists develop powerful, cross-border investigative stories that address regional issues with global relevance.
Another signature event is the Caribbean Media Summit—a two-day, hybrid annual conference that began online during the pandemic and has since become a rotating in-person gathering across the region. Held every May to celebrate World Press Freedom Month, the summit tackles topics such as newsroom innovation, technology, press freedom, and sustainable media models.
Impact Highlights
Over the years, MIC has significantly expanded its reach and influence across the Caribbean and beyond. The organisation’s footprint is reflected in the following achievements:
🌎 31+ countries in its regional and global network
🧑🏽🏫 500+ workshops hosted
🕐 3,600+ mentoring hours delivered (2018–2025)
📰 525+ journalists in its network
🎓 110+ certified trainers engaged
📢 5 million+ people reached through stories produced by MIC-supported journalists
Facing Challenges with Innovation
Like many media organisations, MIC faces the ongoing challenge of economic sustainability. Remarkably, all of its programs have remained free for participants—a deliberate choice to ensure access for journalists, students, and small newsrooms. To maintain this commitment, MIC is now redesigning its business model to explore new revenue streams, including service offerings that support media organisations while staying true to its nonprofit values and mission.
In 2024, MIC worked with Public Media Alliance to do media and information literacy workshops with students (ages 5 to 17) at schools in four Caribbean countries.
Reflections on GFMD Membership
“In today’s challenging world, connecting and collaborating as a community is essential,” says a member of the MIC team. “GFMD is a way to learn from each other and also have the moral support needed because we are all on this journey together.” – MIC Team
Being part of GFMD allows MIC to benefit from a global network of peers, exchange best practices, and advocate collectively for media development and press freedom.
Connect with MIC
The Media Institute of the Caribbean is always open to new partnerships, media practitioners, and funders who share their vision of a stronger Caribbean media. For collaborations, questions, or media inquiries, reach out to:
📧 Kiran Mahara, President, kiran@clcommunications.com
🔗 Website: www.mediainstituteofthecaribbean.com
📱 Social Media:
Stay tuned for more stories in our Member Spotlight series. If you’re a GFMD member and would like to be featured, please reach out to fnzigno@gfmd.info — we’d love to share your story with our global network.