On April 22, 2005 a group of East Timorese journalists and media specialists launched a new NGO to help support independent media organizations. The new NGO is called the Timor-Leste Media Development Center (TLMDC) and offers a wide range of training options in print and broadcast journalism skills, technical support, media law, policy development, finance and administrative management.

An assessment of media development needs conducted by Internews in January 2005 revealed that underlying Timor-Leste’s move to greater autonomy and self-governance is a fear that the media sector, essential for public accountability, may need additional facilitation in order to foster public debate and provide watchdog services for general public welfare. A two-day review and planning workshop with 70 representatives of the media and civil society identified threats and weaknesses, as well as the strengths and needs of the direction of Timor-Leste’s media sector. One of the major weaknesses identified by the workshop was the lack of a local provider of journalism and media training in Timor-Leste, and universities have not yet developed accredited training. To ensure the continued development of media in Timor-Leste, Internews facilitated the establishment of TLMDC.

VISION, MISSION AND  GOALS OF TLMDC

1. The vision of the TLMDC is everyone has the rights to express his/her ideas, to receive information based on Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Timor Leste Constitution.
2. The mission of the TLMDC is to support building an open media in the national territory of Timor Leste towards a democratic and steady society by establishing conditions for the existence of the free, independent and pluralistic media outlets.

     The goals of TLMDC  are as follows:

1. To assist the media in Timor Leste, to promote to the development an open media and independent by delivering appropriated trainings to improve journalistic skills.
2. To enhance the development of media outlets, including electronic media (public & community radios) and print media.
3. To promote to the widening of information and promote democracy, freedom of the press, human rights and freedom to access information through media in the national territory of Timor Leste,
4. To assist in the protection of the rights of media outlets and their lawful interests.
5. To enhance the professional development of the media professionals.
6. Disseminate publications and information about media