Difference between revisions of "Counter Disinformation and Media Development Programme"

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Counter Disinformation and Media Development (CDMD) programme in existence allegedly between 2016 and 2023 at least was based in the [[HMG Russia Unit]] of the [[Eastern Europe and Central Asia Directorate]] of the [[FCDO]].  It 'supports HMG's Russia Strategy's objective to protect UK national security by reducing the harm to democracy and the rules-based international order caused by Russia's information operations.'<ref name="CSSF">[https://web.archive.org/web/20220524084628/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1003218/Counter_Disinformation_and_Media_Development_programme_summary_2020_to_2021.odt CSSF PROGRAMME SUMMARY: PROGRAMME TITLE: Counter Disinformation and Media Development Programme] Retrieved from the Internet Archive of 24 May 2022.</ref> It is funded by the [[Conflict, Stability and Security Fund]] a fund used to support hundred of covert propaganda projects by [[MI6]], and other intelligence agencies.  The whole programme is under the authority of the [[National Security Secretariat]] in the [[Cabinet Office]].
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Counter Disinformation and Media Development (CDMD) programme in existence allegedly between 2016 and 2023 at least was based in the [[HMG Russia Unit]] of the [[Eastern Europe and Central Asia Directorate]] of the [[FCDO]].  It 'supports HMG's Russia Strategy's objective to protect UK national security by reducing the harm to democracy and the rules-based international order caused by Russia's information operations.'<ref name="CSSF">[https://web.archive.org/web/20220524084628/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1003218/Counter_Disinformation_and_Media_Development_programme_summary_2020_to_2021.odt CSSF PROGRAMME SUMMARY: PROGRAMME TITLE: Counter Disinformation and Media Development Programme] Retrieved from the Internet Archive of 24 May 2022.</ref> It was funded by the [[Conflict, Stability and Security Fund]] a fund used to support hundred of covert propaganda projects by [[MI6]], and other intelligence agencies.  The whole programme was under the authority of the [[National Security Secretariat]] in the [[Cabinet Office]].
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That description of the [[Conflict, Stability and Security Fund|CSSF]] is the interpretation of [[David Miller (Powerbase)|David Miller]], who has described the fund as supporting covert intelligence-directed propaganda.<ref name="P12Miller">David Miller, [https://www.mintpressnews.com/leaked-documents-reveal-uk-intelligence-operation-targeting-russia-iran-gaza-and-beyond/291009/ Leaked Documents Reveal UK Intelligence Operation Targeting Russia, Iran, Gaza and Beyond], ''MintPress News'', 23 June 2026, accessed 8 November 2026.</ref> The official programme summary identifies broad implementer categories rather than confirming the involvement of the [[Secret Intelligence Service|MI6]] or other intelligence agencies in the CDMD.<ref name="P12cdmdoff" />
  
 
The programme was formerly called the [[Russian Language Programme]]<ref>https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/630285/Russian_Language_EECAD_2017.pdf</ref>
 
The programme was formerly called the [[Russian Language Programme]]<ref>https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/630285/Russian_Language_EECAD_2017.pdf</ref>
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The '''Counter Disinformation and Media Development Programme''' ('''CDMD''') was a [[United Kingdom]] government initiative launched in April 2016 by the [[Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office]] (FCDO).<ref name="Duncan2018">Sir Alan Duncan, [https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2018-12-04/198811 Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Integrity Initiative] ''UK Parliament'', 10 December 2018.</ref> It amalgamated the former [[Russian Language Programme]] (RLP) and operated as part of the HMG Russia Unit within the FCDO's Eastern Europe and Central Asia Directorate.<ref name="Declassified2022">Declassified UK, [https://www.declassifieduk.org/uk-spends-over-80m-on-media-in-20-countries-around-russia/ UK spends over £80m on media in 20 countries around Russia] ''Declassified UK'', 8 February 2022.</ref>
 
The '''Counter Disinformation and Media Development Programme''' ('''CDMD''') was a [[United Kingdom]] government initiative launched in April 2016 by the [[Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office]] (FCDO).<ref name="Duncan2018">Sir Alan Duncan, [https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2018-12-04/198811 Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Integrity Initiative] ''UK Parliament'', 10 December 2018.</ref> It amalgamated the former [[Russian Language Programme]] (RLP) and operated as part of the HMG Russia Unit within the FCDO's Eastern Europe and Central Asia Directorate.<ref name="Declassified2022">Declassified UK, [https://www.declassifieduk.org/uk-spends-over-80m-on-media-in-20-countries-around-russia/ UK spends over £80m on media in 20 countries around Russia] ''Declassified UK'', 8 February 2022.</ref>
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At the time of the 2016 launch the department was the [[Foreign and Commonwealth Office]] (FCO); it merged with the [[Department for International Development]] to form the FCDO in 2020.<ref name="Duncan2018" /><ref name="P12fcdomerge">Prime Minister's Office, [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-announces-merger-of-department-for-international-development-and-foreign-office Prime Minister announces merger of Department for International Development and Foreign Office], 16 June 2020, accessed 9 November 2026.</ref>
  
 
The programme sought to protect UK national security by reducing the harm to democracy and the rules-based international order caused by Russia's information operations through support for independent media, journalism networks and counter-disinformation activities across Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia.<ref name="Declassified2022" />
 
The programme sought to protect UK national security by reducing the harm to democracy and the rules-based international order caused by Russia's information operations through support for independent media, journalism networks and counter-disinformation activities across Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia.<ref name="Declassified2022" />
  
 
It was funded by the [[Conflict, Stability and Security Fund]] (CSSF) and overseen by the National Security Secretariat (NSS) in the Cabinet Office.<ref name="Duncan2018" /> The CDMD ran until at least 2023.<ref name="Parliament2023">Leo Docherty, [https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2023-02-22/150641 Counter Disinformation and Media Development Programme] ''UK Parliament'', 27 February 2023.</ref>
 
It was funded by the [[Conflict, Stability and Security Fund]] (CSSF) and overseen by the National Security Secretariat (NSS) in the Cabinet Office.<ref name="Duncan2018" /> The CDMD ran until at least 2023.<ref name="Parliament2023">Leo Docherty, [https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2023-02-22/150641 Counter Disinformation and Media Development Programme] ''UK Parliament'', 27 February 2023.</ref>
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==History==
 
==History==
 
The CDMD was reportedly established in April 2016 when the [[Russian Language Programme]] was allegedly formally amalgamated into this new four-year strategic communications initiative authorised by the [[National Security Council]].<ref name="Duncan2018" />
 
The CDMD was reportedly established in April 2016 when the [[Russian Language Programme]] was allegedly formally amalgamated into this new four-year strategic communications initiative authorised by the [[National Security Council]].<ref name="Duncan2018" />
 +
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[[Alan Duncan]]'s December 2018 written answer confirms the April 2016 launch, the four-year programme and the amalgamation of the Russian Language Programme into it.<ref name="Duncan2018" />
  
 
==Leadership==
 
==Leadership==
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*https://consortiumnews.com/2021/02/22/reuters-bbc-in-covert-uk-program-to-push-western-agenda/
 
*https://consortiumnews.com/2021/02/22/reuters-bbc-in-covert-uk-program-to-push-western-agenda/
 
*https://web.archive.org/web/20231130230403/https://ispri.ro/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CV_en_Nicolae_Tibrigan_Researcher_final.pdf
 
*https://web.archive.org/web/20231130230403/https://ispri.ro/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CV_en_Nicolae_Tibrigan_Researcher_final.pdf
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 +
== Published budget composition and contractor proposals ==
 +
The [[Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office]]'s 2022–23 summary distinguishes five budget components. These are allocations, not statements of actual contractor receipts.<ref name="P12cdmdoff">Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, [https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6773f1b34961c1185ea21b39/Counter_Disinformation_and_Media_Development_Programme_Summary_2022_to_2023.odt CSSF Counter Disinformation and Media Development Programme summary 2022–2023, CSSF-05-000006], accessed 8 November 2026.</ref>
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{| class="wikitable"
 +
|+ CDMD 2022–23 component allocations
 +
! Component !! ODA !! Non-ODA
 +
|-
 +
| Independent media and civil-society organisations || £7.6m || £10.8m
 +
|-
 +
| Audiences vulnerable to disinformation || £1m || £2m
 +
|-
 +
| Partners’ information-operations response capabilities || £0.6m || £4.9m
 +
|-
 +
| Strategic communications, monitoring, evaluation and research || £2.2m || £2.5m
 +
|-
 +
| Stakeholder engagement and programme delivery || £0.6m || £0.9m
 +
|}
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<ref name="P12cdmdoff" />
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According to leaked documents published by [[Anonymous]] in 2021, [[Albany Associates International Limited]] and [[M&C Saatchi]] World Services proposed a 2016 Baltic people-to-people project combining cultural events and social-media analysis to increase affinity with the UK, EU and Baltic states among Russian-speaking audiences. This is the bidder's desired influence effect, not proof of award, delivery or achieved changes in attitudes.<ref name="P12alb">Albany Associates International Limited and M&C Saatchi World Services, ''Russian Language Strategic Communication: People to People, technical proposal, 21 April 2016, pp. 1–5; Attachment 5 – Pricing Model, 20 April 2016, p. 2''; leaked document published by [[Anonymous]] in 2021. Bid values and targets are not proof of award, payment or implementation.</ref><ref name="P12index">Anonymous, published under the name Matthew Doer, [https://telegra.ph/Ops-Integrity-Initiative-and-HMG-Trojan-Horse---FULL-Download-Archives-06-08 Ops Integrity Initiative and HMG Trojan Horse – FULL Download Archives], 8 June 2021, accessed 8 November 2026.</ref>
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The published 2022–23 summary says the UK sought to work with partner governments and NGOs to expose information operations and promote access to accurate information. Its implementer labels “Various” and “[[Government of the United Kingdom|HMG]]” do not identify the contractor for each component. Neither these allocations nor the [[Integrity Initiative]] grant establish a full list of implementers.<ref name="P12cdmdoff" /><ref name="Duncan2018" />
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==See also==
 
==See also==
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[[Conflict, Stability and Security Fund]]
 
[[Conflict, Stability and Security Fund]]
 
[[Integrity Initiative]]
 
[[Integrity Initiative]]
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==Resources==
 +
*David Miller [https://www.mintpressnews.com/leaked-documents-reveal-uk-intelligence-operation-targeting-russia-iran-gaza-and-beyond/291009/ Leaked Documents Reveal UK Intelligence Operation Targeting Russia, Iran, Gaza and Beyond], Mintpress, June 23rd, 2026.
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
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<references />
 
<references />
 
[[Category:United Kingdom government programmes]]
 
[[Category:United Kingdom government programmes]]
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[[Category:Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office]]
 
[[Category:Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office]]
 
[[Category:Disinformation]]
 
[[Category:Disinformation]]
 
[[Category:Media development]]
 
[[Category:Media development]]
 
[[Category:Counter-disinformation]]
 
[[Category:Counter-disinformation]]
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 +
 
[[Category:British Propaganda]]
 
[[Category:British Propaganda]]
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[[Category:Strategic Communications]]
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[[Category:Information Operations]]

Latest revision as of 14:37, 9 November 2026

UK government counter-disinformation and media development programme (2016–2023)


Counter Disinformation and Media Development Programme

Type Government programme
Dissolved 2023
Location United Kingdom


Counter Disinformation and Media Development (CDMD) programme in existence allegedly between 2016 and 2023 at least was based in the HMG Russia Unit of the Eastern Europe and Central Asia Directorate of the FCDO. It 'supports HMG's Russia Strategy's objective to protect UK national security by reducing the harm to democracy and the rules-based international order caused by Russia's information operations.'[1] It was funded by the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund a fund used to support hundred of covert propaganda projects by MI6, and other intelligence agencies. The whole programme was under the authority of the National Security Secretariat in the Cabinet Office.

That description of the CSSF is the interpretation of David Miller, who has described the fund as supporting covert intelligence-directed propaganda.[2] The official programme summary identifies broad implementer categories rather than confirming the involvement of the MI6 or other intelligence agencies in the CDMD.[3]

The programme was formerly called the Russian Language Programme[4]

The CSSF Summary states:

The UK does not seek to fight propaganda with propaganda. Instead, the UK promotes circulation and access to accurate information and positive engagement with those impacted by Russian disinformation. CSSF is best placed to deliver on this, as it brings together skills and resources from across the UK Government, along with external expertise.
The Russian Government invests heavily in propaganda, and information operations are integral to their foreign and defence strategies and have been utilised regularly e.g. as part of illegal actions in Georgia and Ukraine and in relation to high profile intelligence agency operations exposed in Russia and abroad.[1]


The Counter Disinformation and Media Development Programme (CDMD) was a United Kingdom government initiative launched in April 2016 by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).[5] It amalgamated the former Russian Language Programme (RLP) and operated as part of the HMG Russia Unit within the FCDO's Eastern Europe and Central Asia Directorate.[6]

At the time of the 2016 launch the department was the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO); it merged with the Department for International Development to form the FCDO in 2020.[5][7]

The programme sought to protect UK national security by reducing the harm to democracy and the rules-based international order caused by Russia's information operations through support for independent media, journalism networks and counter-disinformation activities across Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia.[6]

It was funded by the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) and overseen by the National Security Secretariat (NSS) in the Cabinet Office.[5] The CDMD ran until at least 2023.[8]


History

The CDMD was reportedly established in April 2016 when the Russian Language Programme was allegedly formally amalgamated into this new four-year strategic communications initiative authorised by the National Security Council.[5]

Alan Duncan's December 2018 written answer confirms the April 2016 launch, the four-year programme and the amalgamation of the Russian Language Programme into it.[5]

Leadership

Andy Pryce, reportedly a career diplomat and Head of Counter Disinformation at the FCDO, set up and ran the CDMD for four years from its launch until around 2019–2020.[9]

His successor as head of the CDMD was Darren Paul Boyling, who led the programme as Head of Strategic Communications in the HMG Russia Unit.[8]

Givi Chanukvadze served as Counter Disinformation and Media Development Programme Manager for the Eastern Neighbourhood from June 2021 to June 2023, managing a £3.5 million FCDO portfolio across the South Caucasus.[10]

Objectives and activities

The programme promoted the free circulation of accurate information and positive engagement with communities impacted by Russian disinformation. Activities included mentoring independent media outlets, funding co-productions, building journalism networks and providing emergency support to media in conflict zones such as Ukraine.[6][11]

Funding recipients

Funding

The CDMD was funded through the CSSF. It spent £60.4 million over the four years to 2021.[6] It provided £12.75 million to the Open Information Partnership between 2018 and 2021.[8]


Known CDMD funding (selected periods)
Period Amount Notes
2018–2021 £12.75 million To Open Information Partnership[8]
2018-2019 ODA: £1m Non-ODA: £19.1m = £ 20.1m Budget allocation.[13]
2019-2020 FY 19-20 BUDGET ALLOCATION: ODA: £4.9m Non-ODA: £ 18.485m = £23.385m 19-20 Budget allocation[14]
2020-2021 ODA: £7.55m Non-ODA: £19.76m = £27.31m 20-21 Budget allocation.[15]
2021–2022 Not separately itemised Part of overall CSSF Ukraine support via media hubs[11] ' the CSSF-funded Counter Disinformation and Media Development (CDMD) programme has been working in Ukraine for many years to highlight and tackle Russian disinformation campaigns against Ukraine. Thanks to this existing network, at the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, CDMD was able to refocus support to journalists, maintaining a free and independent media. This included the provision of emergency support to media partners in Ukraine to continue investigation and to provide timely reporting of the war. CDMD has also supported the set-up of “media hubs”. These have helped about 120 journalists and 20 media organisations to relocate to safer areas, as well as providing medical and protective equipment and health and psychological support for journalists who brave extreme risks.'[16]
2022–2023 DA: £12m Non-ODA: £21.1m = £33.1m Programme summary published[17]

People

  • - Givi Chanukvadze - Counter Disinformation and Media Development Programme Manager for Eastern Neighbourhood Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office · Full-time Jun 2021 - Jun 2023 · 2 yrs 1 mo Tbilisi, Georgia
Led regional counter-disinformation and media development efforts across the Eastern Partnership countries, managing a £3.5M FCDO portfolio and shaping UK foreign policy on information security and governance. Established a formal donor coordination platform, driving strategic partnerships with FCDO, USAID, and other key donors.
Skills: Project Management · Leadership · Media Development · Counter-disinformation · Strategic Communications · Public Policy · Management · Program Management · MERL · Political Analysis[18]

Resources

Published budget composition and contractor proposals

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's 2022–23 summary distinguishes five budget components. These are allocations, not statements of actual contractor receipts.[3]

CDMD 2022–23 component allocations
Component ODA Non-ODA
Independent media and civil-society organisations £7.6m £10.8m
Audiences vulnerable to disinformation £1m £2m
Partners’ information-operations response capabilities £0.6m £4.9m
Strategic communications, monitoring, evaluation and research £2.2m £2.5m
Stakeholder engagement and programme delivery £0.6m £0.9m

[3]

According to leaked documents published by Anonymous in 2021, Albany Associates International Limited and M&C Saatchi World Services proposed a 2016 Baltic people-to-people project combining cultural events and social-media analysis to increase affinity with the UK, EU and Baltic states among Russian-speaking audiences. This is the bidder's desired influence effect, not proof of award, delivery or achieved changes in attitudes.[19][20]

The published 2022–23 summary says the UK sought to work with partner governments and NGOs to expose information operations and promote access to accurate information. Its implementer labels “Various” and “HMG” do not identify the contractor for each component. Neither these allocations nor the Integrity Initiative grant establish a full list of implementers.[3][5]


See also

GCHQ

DCMS

Cabinet Office

MoD

FCO/FCDO


See also

Russian Language Programme Conflict, Stability and Security Fund Integrity Initiative

Resources

External links

Declassified UK report on CDMD spending

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 CSSF PROGRAMME SUMMARY: PROGRAMME TITLE: Counter Disinformation and Media Development Programme Retrieved from the Internet Archive of 24 May 2022.
  2. ↑ David Miller, Leaked Documents Reveal UK Intelligence Operation Targeting Russia, Iran, Gaza and Beyond, MintPress News, 23 June 2026, accessed 8 November 2026.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, CSSF Counter Disinformation and Media Development Programme summary 2022–2023, CSSF-05-000006, accessed 8 November 2026.
  4. ↑ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/630285/Russian_Language_EECAD_2017.pdf
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Sir Alan Duncan, Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Integrity Initiative UK Parliament, 10 December 2018.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Declassified UK, UK spends over £80m on media in 20 countries around Russia Declassified UK, 8 February 2022.
  7. ↑ Prime Minister's Office, Prime Minister announces merger of Department for International Development and Foreign Office, 16 June 2020, accessed 9 November 2026.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Leo Docherty, Counter Disinformation and Media Development Programme UK Parliament, 27 February 2023.
  9. ↑ Aspen UK, Countering the Kremlin's disinformation Aspen UK, 2022.
  10. ↑ Givi Chanukvadze, Curriculum Vitae Ilia State University, accessed April 2026.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Conflict, Stability and Security Fund: annual report 2021 to 2022 UK Government, 22 May 2023.
  12. ↑ Cardiff University Research Portal Title: Understand services for the FCO Counter - Disinformation and media development programme. Retrieved from the Internet Archive of 24 may 2022.
  13. ↑ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5c927e2d40f0b633f9b10fec/Counter_Disinformation_and_Media_Development_2018-2019.odt
  14. ↑ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5db6d129ed915d1d034dacf8/Counter_Disinformation_and_Media_Development_Programme.odt
  15. ↑ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1003218/Counter_Disinformation_and_Media_Development_programme_summary_2020_to_2021.odt
  16. ↑ https://data.parliament.uk/DepositedPapers/Files/DEP2023-0088/conflict-stability-and-security-fund-annual-report-2021-22.pdf
  17. ↑ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6773f1b34961c1185ea21b39/Counter_Disinformation_and_Media_Development_Programme_Summary_2022_to_2023.odt
  18. ↑ https://www.linkedin.com/in/givichanukvadze/details/experience/
  19. ↑ Albany Associates International Limited and M&C Saatchi World Services, Russian Language Strategic Communication: People to People, technical proposal, 21 April 2016, pp. 1–5; Attachment 5 – Pricing Model, 20 April 2016, p. 2; leaked document published by Anonymous in 2021. Bid values and targets are not proof of award, payment or implementation.
  20. ↑ Anonymous, published under the name Matthew Doer, Ops Integrity Initiative and HMG Trojan Horse – FULL Download Archives, 8 June 2021, accessed 8 November 2026.
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