The Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) is part of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). The NED is a private, bipartisan, nonprofit organization that strengthens democratic institutions around the world through nongovernmental efforts. CIMA, a recently established NED initiative, focuses on strengthening the support of free and independent media worldwide. Among other activities, CIMA provides information, builds networks, conducts research, and highlights the indispensable role independent media play in developing sustainable democracies around the world.