The Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership on HIV/AIDS (CBMP) unites broadcasters from across the Caribbean in a coordinated response to the region’s surging pandemic. Inspired by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan’s call to action under the Global Media AIDS Initiative, this new Partnership creates a structured framework for sharing information and resources among broadcasters that will significantly expand HIV/AIDS-related programming and public education activities across the Caribbean. The CBMP was launched in May 2006 at a regional summit meeting of media executives on HIV/AIDS, organized by the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation, the Caribbean Broadcasting Union, and the Kaiser Family Foundation. Recognizing their unique power as broadcasters to deliver lifesaving information about HIV/AIDS and fight AIDS-related stigma and discrimination, participating executives have signed a Partnership Declaration, committing to the following:
- Making HIV/AIDS a business priority;
- Integrating HIV/AIDS communication across program genres;
- Providing for dedicated and substantial broadcast time to HIV/AIDS programming; and,
- Seeking co-production opportunities to extend the reach of HIV/AIDS messages.
The CBMP represents an unprecedented collaboration by leading broadcasters in the Caribbean to develop a coordinated regional public awareness campaign on HIV/AIDS. The Partnership is unique because the media companies themselves drive the development of the campaign. Broadcasters have also made a significant financial commitment by pledging concrete programming assets – up to 12 minutes per day – for placement of campaign materials. The commitment of broadcasters is defined by an alignment of interests and expectations; airtime is not purchased for placement of HIV/AIDS messaging. As visible and influential opinion leaders in their respective communities, the media’s active engagement in the fight against HIV/AIDS also sends a powerful signal to policymakers and other stakeholders about the importance of a collaborative response to the epidemic.
| Our values: The CBMP and its corresponding LIVE UP campaign are designed to enable mutual respect for all people, especially including persons living with HIV and AIDS. The CBMP does not support stigma or discrimination of any sort. Our goal is to allow diverse views to be discussed openly but always with respect. Contributions that are disrespectful to any individual or group will be removed from what is intended to be an enabling environment in order to provide us with an opportunity to redouble our efforts to change this stigma and discrimination. Any offensive, judgmental or disrespectful contributions do not reflect the views of and are not supported by the CBMP. |
The CBMP utilizes a variety of communication strategies, including:
- a coordinated, cross-platform regional public service announcement (PSA) campaign;
- integrated HIV/AIDS content across platforms, including entertainment, news, and public affairs programming;
- free information resources, including a consumer website;
- specialized briefings and training sessions for journalists, editors, & producers of popular programming; and,
- targeted special event messaging.
The CBMP is overseen by a Steering Committee of broadcast executives representing a diverse constituency of media houses and countries from the region as well as an Executive Director based in Barbados. The CBMP receives technical guidance and production support from the Kaiser Family Foundation. The Ford Foundation and the Elton John AIDS Foundation provide additional financial support to underwrite production of campaign materials and informational resources.
Click here to view the 2007-08 Strategic Plan, outlining the major activities for the Partnership.
© 2007 Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership on HIV/AIDS