OUR WORK
We produce and broadcast news and discussion programmes in the media formats best-suited to the audiences we wish to reach. We develop and support our media outlets and partners through training and editorial, managerial and structural assistance to enable them to function in a more sustainable way. We analyse our programmes’ impact and participate in research on the role of news and the media, including the parts they play in social cohesion and fostering the rights of the most vulnerable in crisis situations.
WHERE WE WORK
In 2025, Fondation Hirondelle was active in 15 conflict-affected countries worldwide. Our organisation supported 431 media partners, trained 2049 people, and produced 12,707 hours of audio content and 523 hours of video content.
16
16
Opérations médiatiquesdans 15 pays
12707
12707
Hours of audio programming(2025)
523
523
Hours of video programming(2025)
4566
4566
Web Articles(2025)
1356432
1356432
Users of our websites(2025)
1763518
1763518
Followers on Facebook and Twitter(2025)
431
431
Medias supported(2025)
2049
2049
People trained(2025)
Our media programmes involve people from all corners of the political and social landscape. The data gathered by our programmes shows that in 2025, women made up more than a third (37%) of participants in our programmes, and 65% of our content was presented by female journalists. Our media outlets are able to reach people quickly, even in remote areas where access is limited. In 2025, 50% of our reports came from regions located outside national capitals. Our media studios in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and the Democratic Republic of Congo broadcast in four local languages as well as in French, while RNL broadcasts in French and Sango, the most widely-spoken language in the Central African Republic.
OUR AUDIENCE
In 2025, Fondation Hirondelle media programmes reached around 11 million people throughout the world. Most of our national programmes reach both men and women equally, and systematically reach the most vulnerable segment of the population. Every two years, we carry out audience surveys to better understand the size and make up of our audiences, and understand their perspectives on our content.
According to our most recent surveys, 71% of people in the Central African Republic listen daily to Radio Ndeke Luka (2024). The station reaches men and women equally across the socio-economic spectrum and enjoys a high level of confidence, with 86% of people stating that RNL is the most trustworthy source of information about events unfolding in the country.
In Mali (2025), we found that over a quarter (28%) of the population listens to Studio Tamani each week, with higher listenership amongst audiences in more rural areas (46%), and in certain locations (82% of people in Timbuktu listen weekly). 95% of survey respondents believe that these programmes help them distinguish fact from fiction.
A recent study conducted in frontline oblasts in Ukraine (2025) found that local media supported by Fondation Hirondelle’s mentorship project are perceived as significantly more interesting and professional than other local media, and are perceived to play a role in social cohesion within communities. The study found that audiences perceive an improvement in journalistic quality amongst local media supported by the project.
OUR impact
Fondation Hirondelle analyses the impact of its media and news programmes through impact research and studies. This experience capitalisation process enables us to improve the quality and relevance of our work.
Here are some of our most recent impact studies:
- (Dis)information in crisis situations (Central African Republic, 2021–2023)
- Study on the impact of dialogue programs on civic engagement among Malagasy youth (2020-2022)
- Assessment of Studio Kalangou’s impact on women’s rights and empowerment in Niger (2019)
- Study on Studio Tamani and its contribution to the peace process in Mali (2016)
Download the Statutes and Fondation Hirondelle Charter and Editorial Charter here.