HR Management

HR-related activities run in parallel with the other components of the project. They began with a participatory assessment and resulted in some models for HR policy and training, which were made available to the wider industry.

The aim of the assessment was to review current media policy on a range of HR issues. It covered:
• An inventory of existing HR facilities (e.g. staff and infrastructure).
• Recruitment: policies on equal opportunities and recruitment methods.
• Staff retention: what measures are taken to generate company loyalty.
• Career development: training provision, attachments, career opportunities.

The assessment was conducted by visiting media outlets in five regional centres (including Sofia) which have an operational HR department. A further 50 broadcasters and newspapers were sent a questionnaire requesting details of existing HR policies. Senior managers from many of these were subsequently contacted by telephone for further input.

The results of the assessment and further consultations were used to design a training and support programme for human resource policy in the Bulgarian media. This work was undertaken by the international key expert with the help of local non-key experts. In order to ensure maximum benefit to the beneficiaries, the delivery of training and consultancies is likely to involve a variety of approaches to suit the requirements and HR management practices already in place in the media organisations.

The training programme will cover four areas:
• Recruitment, Induction and Contracts.
• HR Management and Motivation.
• Establishing an HR Department.
• On-site Consultancies.