In Venezuela's political context, the defense of free, independent, plural and transparent media is of paramount importance. Recent studies into electoral coverage have revealed however, that journalism tends to be 'single-source' and lacking plurality, and thus far very little effort has been made to encourage citizen participation in the media. This project will contribute to the media's capacity to promote and strengthen democracy in Venezuela by emphasizing the importance of plural information sources, citizen participation, and transparency in editorial policy leading to increased accountability. This will be done by conducting an assessment (using UNESCO's Media Development Indicators), publishing the findings, and holding training activities and discussions involving a target group of media professionals, advanced university students of social communication, and civil society stakeholders. The outputs will include (i) the publishing and widespread distribution of a report on the situation regarding pluralism, citizen participation and media accountability in Venezuela; (ii) a cadre of 40 media professionals trained in these issues; (iii) 40 social leaders with improved knowledge of the media, who will take part in a public debate on the role of media in democracy; and (iv) 120 advanced communications students with enhanced knowledge and active participatory experience in public presentations on the media's role in promoting and strengthening democracy. OBJECTIVE To conduct an assessment of the media development situation in Venezuela (based on UNESCO's MDIs), publish the findings in the form of a report, and hold training seminars and discussions/debates involving both media professionals and civil society stakeholders on the role of media in democracy.