Albany to deliver Media Campaign in Iraq
08 Feb 2010
in support of the Rule of Law programme to promote the Pilot Courts in Iraq.
Under the auspice of the UNDP’s Rule of Law programme in Iraq, Albany will be designing and delivering a Media Campaign, in support of three pilot courts in Erbil, Baghdad and Basra. Albany will also incorporate a ‘Know your rights/ a user's guide to the justice system’ component, with special reference to the pilot courts and also a method for Iraqis to recognize and report corruption in the justice system component.
UNDP, in conjunction with the EC are delivering a programme of governance reform to Iraq through the RoL Programme. The programme, which began in 07/08, is funded by the EC, Spain and Germany. It aims to develop the Iraqi Legal system by:
•The Establishment of 3 Pilot Courts.
•Reform of the teaching methods and curriculum of the Iraqi Judicial Training Institute.
•Completion of the Iraqi Legal Database.
•Reform of the penitentiary system, including the management and treatment of women and juveniles.
•Improving the function of the higher judicial Council.
•Improving the function of the Ministry of Justice.
•Supporting the Iraqi Judicial Education and Development Institute (JEDI).
This 12 month project will benefit Judges, Public Prosecutors, Court Staff, Court Users, Lawyers, the Ministry Staff, Prison Administrators and Staff, and inmates including women and juveniles.
Albany Associates achieves ISO 9001
04 Nov 2009
establishing it as one of the leaders in its field.
This independent assessment was conducted by the British Accreditation Bureau a leading Certification Body and demonstrates Albany Associates Ltd commitment to customer service and quality in delivery.
Albany Associates Ltd has now earned the right to display the coveted British Accreditation Bureau Quality Shield and ISO 9001:2008 logo to demonstrate its conformance to the standard.
ISO 9001 was first introduced in 1987 and requires organisations to demonstrate that they do what they say they do and that they have a quality management system in place to ensure consistency and improvement; leading to high levels of performance and customer satisfaction. Accredited organisations are committed to continuous improvement and are assessed annually to ensure progress is being maintained.
Albany Associates Ltd has shown that it has good service reliability and process controls which mean lower costs for its customers!
Dieter Loraine, Director said, "We are particularly pleased to have achieved ISO 9001 certification as it underlines our commitment to our customers and our focus on quality. Not many customers get to see their suppliers' 'back-office' activities. This recognition demonstrates we can provide a quality solution from quotation to delivery."
The benefits of registration to the ISO 9001 standard include:
Streamlining an organisation's procedures.
Bringing consistency to an organisation's service delivery.
Reducing cost and rework.
Improving an organisation's management practices.
Enhanced status.
Competitive advantage.
Lower insurance premiums.
Albany delivers Media Training in Baghdad
28 Aug 2009
to the Media Unit of the Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights.
Albany recently concluded a Media Training project in Baghdad to the Media Unit of the Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights. Following on from Albany’s Media training in Amman, this phase was essentially a mentoring process allowing the students to be exposed to strategic campaign tools and to encourage them to crystallize specific campaign objectives. Two major human rights issues were identified and chosen:
1. A reduction of violence against women and a campaign.
2. An acceptance initiative for special needs children in Iraq.
The Media Unit contributed engaging examples of their work (mostly printed materials), and were able to explain how they had been distributed and what had worked and what had not (and why). Albany focused particularly on perceptions, both of the Ministry and of Human Rights issues within Iraq, in the Islamic context and globally using personal opinion, journalists and bloggers from around the world and shaped mission statements, overall objectives and the long term vision for change over a one year time frame. Phase two also involved Jordan Pioneers, a Jordan based Media Production Company, who provided Camera Equipment and Operators to support the collation of material in support of Campaign delivery.
Caroline Jaine, Albany’s International Media Consultant delivering the training said, “It was great to see how much the team had learned from the earlier phases of the training - and a joy to put all that expertise together to produce some creative, realistic media campaigns that will make a real difference in addressing human rights issues in Iraq."
Read more at Albany's Blog 'Perceptions in Iraq': http://bit.ly/8xrPo .
Albany delivers workshop to UN
31 Jul 2009
Peace Keeping Mission Senior Leadership course at UN HQ in New York.
The senior leadership course is run by the UN's Department of Peace Keeping Operations (DPKO) for mission leaders at the level of SRSG, Deputy SRSG, Force Commander and Police Commissioner as well as departmental Directors. The workshop was designed to give the participants a view of their responsibilities in overseeing Communications and Public Information. Elements of the workshop included an introduction to the strategic approach, crisis communications and media handling techniques. The training followed a similar session delivered by Albany to Directors and Chiefs of Information of Missions last year.
Albany Conference agrees
30 Jun 2009
that Strategic Communications must be incorporated into policy at an early stage.
Strategic Communications must be incorporated into policy at an early stage, agree the delegates and speakers at Albany’s International Conference.

Speaking at the recent conference ‘Strategic Communications in Countries Emerging from Violent Conflict’ organised by communications specialists Albany Associates, General Sir Michael Jackson, Alastair Campbell, Edward Mortimer and Jamie Shea all agreed that effective pro-active management of information, within stabilisation efforts and peace-building operations, is crucial to strategic thinking within the communications context. Moreover, the most important factor in strategic communications is the ability for different stakeholders to form a coherent and coordinated strategy and organisations should never tire of repeating the key messages.
This very successful two-day conference, co-hosted by Post Conflict People, sponsored by Bell Pottinger and supported by Portland, provided a forum to share experiences from the field and academic knowledge to formalize thinking and consider models for the implementation of strategic communications. It brought together over 120 communications experts from a range of backgrounds, including senior delegates from the UK and US Governments, the EU, NATO, MoD, the United Nations and other International organisations, NGO's, Academia, Media and the Private Sector. The discussions centered around how strategic communications can be incorporated into policy at an early stage, and how to win the critical battle for ‘hearts and minds’ using effective and targeted communications techniques.
The conference was kicked off with a compelling presentation by Nik Gowing of the Reuters Institute, with observations of the impact of new communications technology on both Media organisations and governments. “This is the tyranny of real time and the tyranny of time line.” Nik articulated that the speed of information transfer shortens the news timeline from hours to minutes, and that the breadth of information transfer challenges the hegemony of major institutions of power.
Former NATO Spokesman Jamie Shea said: “In the past we haven’t been too good at strategic communications, but we have to improve and we can do that by sharing best practice so we can get it right in the future. Conferences like this help us do that”.
Alastair Campbell, former press secretary to Tony Blair, said: “Although vitally important, the concept of strategic communications is still chronically misunderstood to the detriment of government departments and trans-governmental organisations”, before adding that “rather than being a force for manipulation, strategic communication is an essential process which gives the policy makers the space they need to get from A to B.”
Simon Haselock, Director Albany Associates said: “This Conference has proven the need that we have to get our message right and we have to think about what we’re saying, in many respects strategic communication is about communicating on one hand and listening on the other.”
Andy Bearpark, Director Post Conflict People stated in the closing remarks, “…that strategy and tactics were vital, but that they would only succeed if they were properly resourced”, a message he directed firmly at programme managers.
Further information at info@albanyassociates.com and imagery of the event can be viewed at Albany’s Flikr account: http://bit.ly/3C1VX.
Albany facilitate Media Training for Iraqi Ministry
02 Jun 2009
staff to articulate "Human Rights" messages.
In consultation with the Government and civil society of Iraq, an umbrella programme to support the rule of law and justice in Iraq was prepared by UNDP, UNOPS and the UNAMI Human Rights Office. The programme, funded by the European Commission (EC), builds on the results and lessons learned from the Promotion of Human Rights Project that was implemented by UNOPS in 2005-2007, also with funding from the EC.
One component of the project, designed and implemented by UNOPS in cooperation with Albany Associates, addressed the need to promote human rights awareness in Iraq through the use of mass media. Upon specific request by the Minister of Human Rights of Iraq, this included training of the staff of the Media Unit of the Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR). The nine ministry officials who participated in the training all had backgrounds in journalism, public relations and as filming and camera practitioners. However, since their appointment to the Media Unit of the MoHR, they had not received technical training to assist them in meeting expectations on the MoHR to lead the establishment of a human rights culture in Iraq and channeling of ‘human rights messages’ through conventional media channels.
Albany's training was set up with a dual focus on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Media Unit’s use of mass media, while simultaneously raising their knowledge of human rights principles; developing their understanding in areas related to the promotion, protection and respect of human rights in Iraq.
Over 12 days in Amman, Jordan, the following modules were covered:
• Introduction to human rights, including freedom of expression and freedom of information.
• Basic journalism, including interview skills, media report writing and how to conduct a media campaign.
• Web and film skills, including print design, photo treatment, film editing, preparation of documentaries and short movies.
• Public relations.

The sessions included workshop style learning in classroom environment as well as practical components where participants used acquired skills to begin a Human Rights Media Campaign. As part of exploring the use of “New Media” techniques, increasingly popular across the Middle East, the Media Unit staff also trained in the use of blogging techniques and open source reporting (youtube/facebook) and were tutored in making short films to be uploaded onto the web, for example creating their own youtube page.
Albany will soon be delivering practical training to the MoHR in Baghdad.
Albany Assist Sudanese Editors Agree a Voluntary Press Code
18 May 2009
Albany attend 4 day event in Khartoum
Dieter Loraine, Director of Albany Associates and Professor Robert Pinker, International Consultant and former Acting Chairman of the UK Press Complaints Commission travelled to Khartoum in May to facilitate a workshop for Sudanese Editors and Journalists on establishing a voluntary Press Code.
Representatives of nine English and local language newspapers from both South and North Sudan took part in the 4-day event.
Drawing on his experiences of establishing South East Europe’s first Press Council in Bosnia Herzegovina and working on similar projects in Iraq, Dieter highlighted the fundamental differences between various Codes, especially regarding newsgathering in conflict and post-conflict countries and how that differs from more established democracies with a free press.
Professor Pinker brought a great deal of UK and international perspective to the discussion, interspersed with real examples of breaches of the UK Press Code and how they were dealt with by the PCC. This often led to lively and, sometimes animated discussion as the journalists endeavoured to put the examples in the context of working in Sudan.
At the end of the workshop, using the text of a previously agreed but fairly dormant Press Code for Southern Sudan as the basis for discussion - with a few additions, alterations and enhancements, the Editors agreed a new country-wide Code for the print industry.
The Code workshop was part of a larger 4-month training programme for Sudanese journalists funded by the European Commission, supported by Norwegian Church Aid.
Read Professor Pinker’s discussion paper: Press Freedom and Press Regulation in a Changing World
Albany Associates have been working in Khartoum and Darfur on communications and advocacy projects since early 2007.
Alistair Campbell & Jamie Shea to speak at Albany
08 May 2009
Conference on Strategic Communications 24 June, London
PRESS RELEASE
7th May 2009
ALISTAIR CAMPBELL AND JAMIE SHEA TO SPEAK AT STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCE
Albany Associates is delighted to announce that Alistair Campbell and Jamie Shea will be two keynote speakers at its Conference: ‘Strategic communications in countries emerging from violent conflict’.
Drawing on his experience of ten years alongside Tony Blair, and his considerable understanding of the modern media, Alastair specialises in strategy, making change, dealing with the media and crisis management – often at the same time. He will bring to the conference a unique perspective on dealing with communications issues at the highest level during the wars in Kosovo and Iraq and post 9/11, which will ensure a stimulating and challenging session for delegates.
Jamie Shea is Director of Policy Planning in the Private Office of the Secretary General of NATO. Jamie received worldwide attention during the 1999 Kosovo War, when he served as the spokesperson for NATO. He too will bring some very interesting and significant insights to the conference on very relevant conflict and post conflict communications topics.
The conference, co-hosted by Post Conflict People and supported by Portland, will be held at The Cumberland Hotel, London on 24th and 25th June and will bring together experts from a range of communications backgrounds. This important two-day event for policy-makers, communications practitioners, academics and media will establish how strategic communications can be incorporated into policy at an early stage and how to win the critical battle for 'hearts and minds'.
Director of Albany Associates, Simon Haselock said: “This will be a platform to share experience and knowledge, to formalise thinking and to consider models for implementation. We are expecting delegates from the UK and US Governments, the EU, NATO, the United Nations and other International organisations, NGO's, Academics, Media, Independent Communications Experts, Defence Specialists and the Private Sector”.
To book online and find out further information about the conference please click on : http://www.albanyassociates.com/training/conference09.php
* Ends *
For further information please contact:
The Conference Team on 01752 604211 or paul@albanyassociates.com
Albany draft part of media law and policy primer.
07 May 2009
recently published by USAID and IREX in Jordan.
Albany contribute to media law institute
07 May 2009
Albany Director Douglas Griffin leads sessions held in Amman, Jordan.
Albany Director Douglas Griffin led several sessions of an institute on media law and policy held in Amman from 26-30th April in Amman, Jordan and organised by the Annenberg School for Communication and Princess Rym’s Jordan Media Institute. Participants included journalists and policy makers from Jordan and elsewhere in the region.
Albany supports Darfurian Civil Society initiative.
29 Apr 2009
Momentum builds for Darfurian civil society initiative across the world.
Mandate Darfur gains support from US Government, European Union, Arab League and United Nations. Mandate Darfur, an initiative to give voice to the Darfurian people, today welcomed endorsements from across the international community as momentum continues to build for the Darfurian civil society conference in Addis Ababa from 12-16 May 2009. Leading a chorus of voices lending their support to this civil society initiative, J. Scott Gration, President Obama’s Special Envoy to Sudan, said, “I believe strongly that solutions to the present conflict in Darfur must come from Darfurians themselves. Your efforts and the broad representation of civil society you plan to gather in Ethiopia will play an important role in adding more momentum to our mutual goal of peace and security in Darfur.” Demonstrating the breadth of support for this initiative, Mandate Darfur also welcomed the endorsement of Amre Moussa, Secretary-General of the Arab League. Moussa said of the initiative, “It gives me great pleasure to welcome your important initiative in this regard, and [I] would like to express the Arab League’s total readiness to cooperate...in order to ensure a positive role for the representatives and components of the Darfur civil society in the settlement of the crisis and mending the social texture in Darfur.” Adding European backing for this civil society solution to the Darfur crisis, European Union Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid Louis Michel said, “International efforts have hitherto tended to focus on the Government and armed groups rather than on the civilians having taken the conscious decision not to take up arms. I therefore welcome your initiative, which addresses this weakness and raises awareness among the conflicting parties of the concerns of the people of Darfur.” In addition, Mandate Darfur is pleased to welcome the endorsements of: • Ambassador Torben Brylle, EU special representative for Sudan • Abdoulie Janneh, Executive Secretary UN Economic Commission for Africa • Alain Le Roy, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Welcoming this support on behalf of Mandate Darfur, Mo Ibrahim, founder and Chairman of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, said, “We are pleased that the international community is coming out in support of this important Darfurian civil society initiative. We know that without the consideration of the Darfurians themselves, no peace agreement will be sustainable or legitimate. It is our hope that the international community will continue to stand on the side of the Darfurian people when the Mandate emerges.” During the course of the conference, Darfurian delegates from across tribal, ethnic, geographic and religious communities will debate the numerous political, economic and developmental issues in order to build a more sustainable peace in the region. Their discussions will lead to an agreed mandate that will provide the building block for future peace negotiations. Following the conference, Mandate Darfur will work to deliver the Mandate around the world to ensure that leaders within Sudan, Africa and the wider world pursue the interests of the Darfurian people to find a lasting peace in the region.
Alastair Campbell confirmed as Keynote
27 Apr 2009
for Albany's Conference
Albany Associates are pleased to confirm Alastair Campbell as a Keynote Speaker at its Conference: ‘Strategic Communications in countries emerging from violent conflict’. A well known ‘communicator, writer and strategist’, Alastair will open Albany’s Conference with a keynote address focusing upon his role over 10 years within 10 Downing Street, the Kosovo crisis in 1999 and offering some thought and perspective ‘post 9/11’. To register for the conference click here: www.albanyassociates.com/conference.php
Strategic Communications Conference announced
24 Mar 2009
on 24-25 June 2009 at the Cumberland Hotel, London.
Albany Associates and Post Conflict People would like to invite you to an International conference on ‘Strategic Communications in Countries Emerging from Violent Conflict’ at the Cumberland Hotel, London.
This important two-day event for policy-makers, communications practitioners, academics and media will establish how strategic communications can be incorporated into policy at an early stage and how to win the critical battle for 'hearts and minds'. Bringing together experts from a range of backgrounds, this will be a platform to share experience and knowledge, to formalise thinking and to consider models for implementation. We are expecting delegates from the UK and US Governments, the EU, NATO, the United Nations and other International organisations, NGO's, Academics, Media, Independent Communications Experts, Defence Specialists and the Private Sector.
Cost per person (inc VAT): £349 (Govt, NGO, Academia, and Independent Practitioners) and £599 (Corporate and Private Sector).
To register your interest at no obligation, please click on the following link www.albanyassociates.com/conference.php and we’ll contact you in due course with a conference application form and further information on the conference programme.
Albany assist the IMC in Kosovo
10 Feb 2009
with their Long Term Broadcast Licensing Regime.
Albany assisted Kosovo’s independent broadcast regulator, the Independent Media Commission (IMC), design and implement a new long term licensing regime for the country’s 114 radio and TV stations.
The first phase of the assignment commenced with a series of assessment meetings and interviews with senior staff, Licensees and Government officials. Albany gained a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory landscape of Kosovo, incorporating the vision and objectives of the regulator and the needs of the licensees, to enable it to initially draft a new Licensing Strategy for adoption by the IMC Council.
During the next phase, Albany ran a series of consultative workshops with the staff and Council of the IMC concentrating on what it wanted to achieve in the next phase of licensing and how to bring as many broadcasters as possible into the system. Discussions on the necessity to add to or modify the legal framework were also held to provide the IMC with options for amendments of the current IMC law and analysis and advice on monitoring and compliance were provided. Albany also designed an effective communications strategy for the IMC to provide its licensees and general public with information and guidance on the requirements and desired outcomes of the new licensing process.
Albany Associates delivered to the IMC a new licensing process, a regulatory strategy, licensing documents including application forms and guidelines for submission.
Albany assists Editors and Journalists
10 Feb 2009
with a code of conduct in Sudan.
Working closely with Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) and Khartoum Monitor, one of Sudan’s leading English language publications, Albany are assisting Sudanese editors, journalists and media practitioners discuss, design and agree a Code of Conduct for the press, which will hopefully be the catalyst for the establishment of a future self regulatory regime, administered by a professional body such as a Press Council.
In addition, Albany consultants, working with senior professionals from Khartoum Monitor, are assisting Sudanese journalists in the improving their journalistic and professional skills and knowledge in transparency matters, governance, rule of law and constitutional issues.
Albany announces the CPD Certification Service grant
29 Jan 2009
on all training courses.
Albany Associates is pleased to announce the CPD Certification Service grant on its training courses. CPD (Continuing Personal/Professional Development) is an internationally recognised certification and the holistic commitment to structured skills enhancement and personal or professional competence.
Completing a training course accredited by the CPD Certification Service is a guarantee that the qualification has prepared the development of intellectual ability and strategic, analytical and problem-solving skills. It also provides the necessary technical skills to enable professionals to adequately perform their jobs.
The CPD Certifications signifies that Albany Associates has undertaken an extensive and ongoing process to ensure that your training will equip you with best practice skills and up to the date competencies.”
Albany support the Gov of Sierra Leone
28 Nov 2008
to write a 'National Communications Strategy'

Albany Associates is supporting the Government of Sierra Leone and UNDP to write a 'National Communications Strategy'. This strategy will outline how communications can help strengthen democracy and promote good governance in a country that is determined to grow and to reach its full development potential.
Ideas on how communications can increase access to information, promote a free, pluralistic and professional press; and open opportunities for dialogue at all levels of society, include a more effective use of Sierra Leone's traditional oral culture, drama and music, as well as developing a truly independent public broadcasting corporation for the nation.
Albany contribute to New Media Law and Policy symposium
28 Nov 2008
Albany Directors to speak on the regulation of New Media
“Albany Directors, Doug Griffin and Dieter Loraine to speak at a symposium on the regulation of New Media at a Jordanian University, Al Isra (http://www.isra.edu.jo/en/), in Amman 1-2 Dec. Dieter will be discussing the pros and cons of regulation and self-regulation, what’s being done towards a code for ethics for new media and what is the legal value of self-regulation? Dieter will also present cases brought against New Media because of readers’ comments. Doug will be discussing the aspect of Government Policy on Internet Regulation. For example, what’s the government’s policy/view on licensing/monitoring news websites and what are the developing international trends and best practices?”
Albany engage the African Union
24 Nov 2008
in supporting its mission in Somalia
Albany conducted a workshop for the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa last week in assisting them to develop a communications strategy for their mission in Somalia. Simon Haselock was joined by an Albany Associates Communications team, who acknowledged that whilst Somalia is viewed by the world as a failed state, ranked by the United Nations (UN) as one of the world’s poorest countries, Albany’s proposed strategy is aimed at supporting the AU to articulate a way to better inform the international community of the complexities that face Somalia and what steps can be taken to improve it. As Nicholas Bwakira, the AU’s Special Representative for Somalia said in June this year, there is a need for Somalis to have a clear understanding of the AMISOM mandate and there is also need for the AMISOM message to be fully propagated and understood by the rest of the international community. Albany proposed a communications strategy to the AU to enable it to counter the balance of propaganda fed to the people of Somalia by various factions by offering some objective factual, honest and credible information about what is really happening. Inclusiveness, understanding and public education are fundamental to the success of communication and an awareness of perceptions will provide an objective starting point.
Albany Associates in Lebanon
18 Nov 2008
Providing technical support to the LPDC


Albany has recently begun a project funded by the UK Government's Global Opportunities Fund providing technical support to the Lebanese Palestinian Dialogue Committee (LPDC) in the areas of Strategic Communications and Human Security.
The project foresees the development of a comprehensive strategic communications plan aimed at supporting and improving the Government of Lebanon’s work with the Palestinian refugee community living in Lebanon, in the context of future conflict prevention. More specifically, it will result in the production of a Security Plan for Nahr el Bared refugee camp (outside Tripoli, north Lebanon), which was destroyed during fighting between the Lebanese Armed Forces and members of terrorist group, Fatah el Islam, in summer 2007.
The development of the plan will be based on a bottom-up approach that takes full account of the needs, wishes and human rights of residents and the surrounding community. If successful, the plan could form the basis for a nationwide strategy to improving living conditions and security in the 12 Palestinian refugee camps around Lebanon.
Albany will also provide advice and support to improve identification of, and communication with, stakeholders to improve policy-making in areas of key importance to the Palestinian community in Lebanon.
Albany assists the UNDP in Sierra Leone
17 Nov 2008
to implement the Governments Communications Strategy
Albany assists the UNDP in Sierra Leone - Albany’s latest project in West Africa contributes towards the implementation of the Government of Sierra Leone Communications Strategy. Working with the United Nations Development Programme, Albany is finalizing the ‘National Communications Strategy’ to include the establishment and capacity development of the new Sierra Leone Broadcasting Service. It is anticipated this approach will also include the rebranding of the country via the internet and other media.
Dieter Loraine on Media Regulation for Peace Building
04 Nov 2008
at United States Institute for Peace, Washington
To view the video of Dieter Loraine on Media Regulation for Peace Building at United States Institute for Peace, Washington please
click here.
Pessimism Hangs Over Darfur
10 Oct 2008
Simon Haselock writes for New African Magazine
Albany Director speaks at the London School of Economics
06 Oct 2008
Department of Media & Communications fifth anniversary conference
On Tuesday 23rd of September Simon Haselock spoke on a panel on the Role of Communications in Shaping Attitudes, Values and Politics in Crisis Areas at the London School of Economics Department of Media and Communications fifth anniversary conference. His subject was the relationship between the practicalities of Strategic Communications on the ground and academic research into causes, attitudes and opinions and the conduits of information in areas of conflict and how to develop reliable methodologies to divine and measure them.
Albany delivers another highly successful Master Class
02 Oct 2008
to International Media Regulators

Albany Associates delivered its second highly successful Master Class in Broadcasting Regulation in London between 22-25 September 08. Broadcasting and Telecommunication Regulators from Ghana, Tanzania, Nigeria, Slovenia, Singapore, Rwanda, Bermuda and Kosovo gathered to exchange experiences and discuss current regulatory issues. The Master Class provided delegates with in-depth analysis and knowledge of the principle traditional topics of Broadcast Regulation, including content and licensing. It also examined new and emerging issues such as Convergence and the Digital switchover.
Of note, the Director General of the Communications Regulatory Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Kemal Huseinovic, gave a special presentation encapsulating the Master Class sessions by providing a practical insight into the regulatory issues he and his agency have had to overcome to maintain the independence and effectiveness of the first (and so far), only converged regulatory agency. Bernard A Forson, attending from the National Communications Authority in Ghana said,
'This (course) is a well balanced portfolio of themes and subjects that has tremendously exposed me to the challenges, as well as the opportunities, of Broadcasting in a convergent market. Great access to many things in one place, what a great value!' Bunmi Cole from the National Broadcasting Commission in Nigeria commented,
'very good; a path towards excellence.' Lai Lei Khim from the Media Development of Singapore added,
'the best thing about this class is the exchange of ideas and learning about how other countries "do it"'. It is anticipated that Albany Associates will build on the success of this year's course by delivering one or two more in 2009, as well as exploring the opportunity to deliver bespoke regulatory courses 'in house’ for regulatory agencies and operators.
Media Regulators from Around the World
08 Sep 2008
Gather for Albany’s Broadcast Regulatory Masterclass
Broadcast Regulators covering five continents will take part in Albany’s four day Masterclass in London between 22 and 25 September 2008. The Course provides delegates with comprehensive and in-depth analysis and knowledge of the principle traditional issues of broadcast regulation including content and licensing. But it will also examine new and emerging issues such as convergence, spectrum management, intellectual property rights and digital switchover. Visit our
Masterclass pages for more information.
Equestrian Festival in South Darfur
01 Jul 2008
As part of its public information project in Sudan
As part of its public information project in Sudan funded by the UK, Dutch and Canadian governments, Albany Associates provided funding and assistance to the Equestrian Festival, held in Ad Du'ayn, South Darfur state from 30 May to 2 June 2008. The festival provided a traditional platform for tribal leaders to come together to engage in reconciliation and mediation, drawn by their love of horses and racing.
……full story visit our Sudan page.

Albany at Oxford/Annenberg Summer School
30 Jun 2008
on Global Media Policy
Two of Albany’s Directors and Communications and Marketing Head presented recently at the Annenberg/Oxford Summer Institute on Global Media Policy - Technology and New Themes in Media Regulation.
Visit their website for more information.
Albany wins contract
30 Jun 2008
to train Senior UN Public Information Officials
Albany Director Simon Haselock and Head of Communications & Marketing, Caroline Jaine carried out a three day Strategic Communications workshop at the United National Headquarters in New York during June. Participants were from UN missions across the world including Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq and Lebanon.
Albany Director addresses USIP Seminar
30 Jun 2008
on Media Regulation for Peace Building
In June Albany Director, Dieter Loraine spoke at a Seminar hosted by United States Institute of Peace on Media Regulation for Peace Building at the Media, Conflict Prevention, and Peacebuilding: Mapping the Edges. Using examples from his experience in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Iraq, he addressed how we can articulate the positive benefits of regulation to governments, media and citizens.
Albany Head of Communications blogs
08 Jun 2008
for the World Bank on Global Media Event
Albany to advise on UK Government Planning Exercise
09 May 2008
to test the Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs and Development
Albany has been contracted as Strategic Communications lead to work on the UK’s largest strategic planning operation which tests the Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs and Development. This follows on from Albany’s involvement in the same exercise in 2006 where they provided advice on information and public diplomacy strategies to the inter-agency planning team.
Albany attend memorial
08 May 2008
for 61 Peace keepers killed in Darfur
Albany Director at Iraq Media Conference
08 May 2008
hosted by the United States Institute of Peace
Albany Director Doug Griffin participated in a
conference on Iraqi media hosted by the United States Institute of Peace in Istanbul from 14-16 May. The event brought together a number of managers and editors-in-chief of important Iraqi media outlets, government officials and Iraqi, regional and international experts to discuss themes of media and conflict. The group issued a set of declarations following the conference.
Albany Associates lead Africa Day celebrations
07 May 2008
with photo exhibition in Sudanese capital
Albany works with New York Cafe
21 Apr 2008
to raise books for Darfur
Doma cafe and art gallery in New York has teamed up with Albany Associates to support the Darfur Library Project by collecting donations of books. For more information contact Doma Cafe & Gallery, 17 Perry St, New York, NY 10014, tel: + 1 (212) 929-4339.
Click here for information on Albany’s work in Sudan.
Albany Opens Office in Amman, Jordan
16 Apr 2008
to support its work with UNESCO to develop free & fair media in Iraq
Above: Albany staff Maha Adnan Badir and Zina Alsatar at work in Albany’s office in Amman; Albany/UNESCO Conference in Amman for the Iraqi Communications and Media Commission.
Albany Associates, a globally renowned UK-based strategic communications and media development company, have opened a new office in Amman, Jordan to support its work with UNESCO to develop a free and fair media in Iraq.
Staffed by Iraqis and Jordanians, the office also coordinates Albany’s training activities for the Iraqi Communications and Media Commission (CMC), the country’s first independent telecoms and broadcasting regulator, which was established in 2004 with the help of Albany who were at the time working in Iraq.
Commenting on Albany’s continuing expansion into the Middle East, Albany Director, Dieter Loraine said: “We have been visiting and working in the region for a few years now and we felt that the time was right to invest in a permanent infrastructure to provide a launch pad for future work across the entire Middle East. Setting up an office in Jordan significantly increases our overall capacity to deliver regional broadcasting, telecoms, regulatory and strategic communications training across the Middle East.”
Since its establishment in late 2004 Albany has worked in some of the world’s most challenging countries such as Iraq, Sudan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Lebanon. It has offices and representation in France, Sudan and shortly Afghanistan.
Albany launches Master Class in Broadcast Regulation
04 Apr 2008
June 23-26, at the Cumberland hotel in London
Albany Director appointed as Media Law website advisor
02 Apr 2008
for Annenberg School of Communication, University of Pennsylvania
Albany Director, Douglas Griffin has been appointed as an advisor for the creation of a Media Law Assistance Website for use by international media rights advocates, lawyers and scholars in cooperation with Center for Global Communication Studies at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania and the Centre for International Media Assistance at the National Endowment for Democracy.
Albany Photographic Exhibit on African Union Mission
25 Mar 2008
in Sudan opens at United Nations Headquarters
A photographic exhibit entitled “The African Union in Darfur” opens in the South Gallery of the General Assembly Visitors’ Lobby on Friday, 14 March. The exhibit is open to the public and admission is free. The exhibit will remain on display through 2 April.
The exhibition features a collection of photographs highlighting the work of the African Union Mission in the Sudan (AMIS) to contain the violence and improve security in Darfur during its three-and-a-half-year presence (April 2004 to December 2007). On 31 December 2007, as authorized by the United Nations Security Council, AMIS transferred its responsibilities for supporting the peace process in Darfur to the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). Many of the pictures were shot by Stuart Price, a photographer working for Albany Associates in Darfur.
Albany Associates has been assisting AMIS and UNAMID with strategic communications and public information efforts in their support for the Darfur peace process since mid-2006. Albany's work in Darfur has been funded by the United Kingdom's Department for International Development and the governments of Canada and the Netherlands.
This exhibit was prepared by Albany Associates and sponsored by the Peace and Security Section of the United Nations Department of Public Information.
Address: United Nations Headquarters, Visitors’ Entrance, First Avenue at East 46th Street, New York, NY 10017.
Viewing hours: Gates are open to the public from 9:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The gallery is open until 6p.m.
For more information on Albany Associates and its work in Darfur, please do not hesitate to contact me at
caroline@albanyassociates.com or visit Albany's website at
www.albanyassociates.com.
For information on UN exhibitions, please contact Jan Arnesen at +1 212 963 531 or
arnesen@un.org, or Liza Wichmann at +1 212 963 0089 or
wichmann@un.org.
Albany Director, Doug Griffin lectures
13 Mar 2008
at Jordan Media Law & Policy Institute
Albany Director, Doug Griffin is to provide instruction at the Jordan Media Law & Policy Institute 2008 on Technology and New Themes in Media Regulation, organised by the Center for Global Communication Studies, Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania in Amman, Jordan, 22-27 March 2008
Albany form part of a consortium framework
13 Mar 2008
agreement with DFID
DFID Framework Agreement for Governance, Justice and Peace Building in Conflict Affected Environments was launched in March 2008 with Albany Associates leading on media capacity building, strategic communication and media regulatory reform in conflict affected environments. The consortium is lead by Coffey International Development.
“Moment of Truth for Darfur - article in La Liberation
10 Mar 2008
by Albany Director Simon Haselock. “Moment de verite au Darfour”
“Going Public with Diplomacy”
10 Mar 2008
Albany Communications Head writes for Diplomat Magazine
“Going Public with Diplomacy” – With public opinion being increasingly shaped by the media, the internet and mass markets, how will diplomacy meet the communications challenges it now faces. Albany Communications Head, Caroline Jaine writes for Diplomat Magazine.
http://www.albanyassociates.com/pubs/diplomat.jpg
Albany wins contract extension in Sudan
20 Feb 2008
to continue to provide public information support in Darfur
Albany Director, Doug Griffin appointed
20 Jan 2008
to the Jordanian government’s New Media Task Force
Albany Director, Doug Griffin has been appointed to the Jordanian government’s New Media Task Force, a group including representatives of the Audiovisual Commission, Higher Media Council, Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, Telecommunications Regulatory Commission and other stakeholders. The Task Force meets regularly to discuss plans for addressing technological convergence in Jordan’s legislation and regulations and other issues.”
Albany Introduce Environmental Policy
01 Jan 2008
Listen again to Albany Director, Simon Haselock
27 Dec 2007
interview on UN Radio
Albany’s Asma Ali features in South Africa’s
21 Dec 2007
Mail & Guardian in David Smith’s postcard from Darfur
more to follow
Albany Director addresses the US Institute of Peace
06 Dec 2007
On 6th December Simon Haselock spoke at the United States Institute of Peace. To listen again to Simon's address
click here.
Selling Peace in Sudan:
30 Nov 2007
Albany Director to address the US Institute of Peace in Washington
FULL STORY: On 6 December Simon Haselock will speak will speak at the United States Institute of Peace:
"As the African Union prepares to renegotiate the Darfur Peace Agreement, communicating and disseminating information on the process and provisions will be crucial to gaining public buy-in. In Sudan, years of conflict have destroyed critical infrastructure, silenced media and left entire generations without an education, creating an information vacuum and extremely limiting vehicles for dissemination. How can the provisions of a peace agreement be disseminated to the public whose lives it will profoundly affect? How can public opinion be gauged? How can a constituency for peace be built?"
For more information please
click here.
Albany Directors to address the US Institute of Peace
30 Nov 2007
in a special session of the Media and Conflict Working Group
FULL STORY: On 7 December Simon Haselock and Doug Griffin will speak will speak at the United States Institute of Peace:
“Last month, Iraq's Communication and Media Commission, with support from UNESCO and Albany Associates, continued a series of workshops designed to improve the legal framework governing Iraq's media and to include broadcasters and media professionals in shaping the framework that will govern them Doug Griffin and Simon Haselock will give a special briefing on the progress of the workshop series and recent developments in the effort to build the capacity of Iraq's Communications and Media Commission”.
UNESCO Supports Free and Independent Media in Iraq
26 Nov 2007
For full UNESCO press release featuring Albany run workshops as part of the Communication and Information Programme for Iraq click link.
http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/ev.php-URL_ID=25650&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html
Albany Associates launches new website
16 Nov 2007
Albany Associates appoints former British Diplomat
16 Nov 2007
Caroline Jaine appointed as Head of Communications & Marketing
Former British Diplomat Caroline Jaine has been appointed as Head of Communications & Marketing for Albany Associates. Her initial focus will be on new business development and a visit to Afghanistan to explore a number of contracts along with Director Simon Haselock is already underway.
Bio:
Caroline has 12 years experience with the British Government, last year working as Press & Public Affairs Officer in Basra where she developed a coalition wide communication strategy for Southern Iraq, engaged with local and international journalists and established a functioning press section at the British Embassy Office. Since her return she has helped train new Press Officers prior to their postings overseas. Her other assignments have included heading an internal communications programme, this time developing an internal communications strategy and in 2005 she was Ministerial Speech Writer attached to the Foreign Office Press Office.
Caroline has also written articles for national publications and published a photographic book promoting peace in Sri Lanka. Caroline has a background in art & design and has held successful exhibitions of her work in Slovakia, Sri Lanka and Israel/Palestine.
New UN Iraq envoy spotlights crucial role
16 Nov 2007
of media in ending conflict
New UN Iraq envoy spotlights crucial role of media in ending conflict (from a UN Press Release). Staffan de Mistura stresses the key role of the media in resolving differences both within and outside the war-ravaged Iraq at a UN-backed media law workshop jointly run by Albany Associates in Jordan. Visit the
UN website for the full story.
BBC features Afia Darfur festival
16 Nov 2007
The BBC have
show cased images from the second cultural festival held in Afia Darfur. The festival forms part of Albany’s work with the African Union Mission in Sudan on a Public Information Campaign to promote the Peace Process in Dafur. For more information visit our
projects page.
Albany Associates wins UAE contract
16 Nov 2007
to design and implement Communications Strategy.
Albany Associates have won their bid to the Telecoms Regulation Agency in the United Arab Emirates to design and implement the regulatory authority’s Communications Strategy.