Pan-European survey on initiatives that challenge discrimination in the media

Deadline: 2 July 2008

The International Federation of Journalists, Internews Europe & the Media Diversity Institute have launched a survey to identify initiatives by and about the media that have successfully challenged discrimination and promoted diversity. The study covers 30 European countries and is financed by the European Commission.  For more information and to contribute to the survey please visit www.media4diversity.eu. The deadline for contributions is Midnight 2 July 2008.

European Award for multicultural TV programmes

Deadline: 1 July 2008

June is the final chance for anyone who wants to enter Prix Europa Iris 2008 – The European media award for multicultural TV programmes. Topics could include Migrant issues, Refugees, the history of migration, ethnic conflicts, racism, Roma communities, Islam in Europe , second and third generations of migrants, integration of minorities, regional minorities and coexistence and/or clashes of religions. Entries must have been broadcast since January 2007 although there is no limit to the length of the entry or the amount of material submitted by one organisation. To enter the Prix Europa Iris 2008 send a DVD-PAL copy in (preferably in English) to the Prix Europa Competition Office in Berlin. Click here for more information

UK Conference on Diversity in the Media

Birmingham, UK, 10 July 2008

There has been a lot of debate about Diversity within the Media but the ‘Bridging the Gap' conference 2008 aims to go further than previous debates. Even though Broadcasters have been committed to recruiting their Journalists from more ethnically diverse backgrounds for the last 20 years the Broadcast Journalist Training council call it “Journalism's big problem”. The 2008 conference will look at what does and doesn't work when attracting young people into Broadcast Journalism, ensuring that they are successful once they get into the media and living with difference and allowing that difference to be reflected in the output. For all enquiries please contact Lauren Davies on 0121 204 9883 or email
lauren.davies@bcu.ac.uk

Prize for Covering Racism and Discrimination in Latin America

Deadline: 20 August 2008

Journalists in Latin America who cover stories on racism and discrimination can compete for a prize entitled “Premio Periodismo para la Tolerancia.” The prize, organized by Federación Internacional de Periodistas (FIP), is open to journalists of all media: print, Internet, radio, TV and photojournalism. Stories must have been published or broadcast between January 1 and December 31, 2007 in Spanish or Portuguese. To participate, contact fip@eldish.net or sntp@eldish.net . Click here for more information.

Report links media coverage & violence against foreign nationals in South Africa

Posted: 20 June 2008

Foreign nationals in South Africa, particularly Zimbabweans and Mozambiqueans, are consistently linked to criminal behaviour in the South African media. These are amongst the findings in new research on xenophobic agenda-setting conducted by Media Tenor South Africa. Analysing the period January 2007 to April 2008, Media Tenor South Africa attempted to establish how reporting patterns in South African media may have contributed to the negative perceptions of non-Western nationals in South Africa, which in turn may have contributed to the recent violence. Contact Richard Kunzmann ( r.kunzmann@mediatenor.co.za ). To see the full report click here

New study on Public Service Broadcasting in multi-ethnic states

Posted: 6 June 2008

A new book has been published exploring the role public service broadcaster's play in diversity. “Divided They Fall: Public service broadcasting in multiethnic states” studies Bosnia and Herzegovina, Switzerland, Macedonia and Belgium and is part of a comparative research project into broadcasting models and practices in multiethnic societies. Click here for more information.

A new Radio station for women and youth in Jordan

Posted: 6 June 2008

A new radio station especially for women and youth, called Radio Farah Al Nas, will be launching soon in Jordan at 98.5 frequency. Construction of the radio station is almost complete, and it will be run by Jordanian youth – as young as kindergarten.  The radio station is being funded by Internews Network. To learn more click here.

Course for journalists reporting HIV/AIDS issues in South Africa

Posted: 6 June 2008

South African junior and mid-level health journalists working at newspapers or magazines can enrol for an intensive two-day course on HIV/AIDS reporting to be held 28 August 2008. The course is designed to help health journalists enhance their publications' media coverage of HIV/AIDS research and other HIV/AIDS topics and issues. To learn more click here or contact print@iaj.org.za.

Mexico: two media events on AIDS

Mexico City, Mexico, 3-8 August 2008

Journalists attending AIDS 2008, the International AIDS Conference in Mexico City, August 3-8, will have an opportunity to participate in two events: “Reporting Aids: Issues and Concerns,” on August 3, will focus on issues and ethics of journalism related to the reporting on HIV/AIDS; “Technical Briefings on HIV/AIDS” will be held August 4, and will consist of short, focused and simplified sessions presented by experts on technical issues associated with HIV/AIDS. Both conferences are free for all journalists attending AIDS 2008. For more click here.

Al Jazerra call for documentaries by young filmmakers

Posted: 30 May 2008

The Arabic satellite Al Jazeera Documentary Channel is calling for Arabic language film submissions from young filmmakers. The Qatar-based channel hopes to purchase short documentary films that feature cultural, historical, environmental, geographic, socio-political, and youth related issues. Submissions should be five minutes long, and must be filmed on HDV or Digital Betacam. For more information contact abdelwahaba@aljazeera.net

Global Media Forum on Terrorists Online and Prejudice in the Middle East

Bonn, Germany, 2-4 June 2008

The theme of this year's Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum, is the role of the media in peace building and conflict prevention. Through the conference, Germany's international broadcaster aspires to create a platform for intercultural exchange between global media players and decision makers.

One session titled "Reading between the lies - Perception and prejudice in the Middle East" will ask questions such as: Who creates the hostile images? Who defines the "enemy"? What carries more weight: PR-machinery or objective journalism? Does anyone let the other side speak? How do we deal with Hamas? What are the defining factors for Israel's image? Can the media contribute to a solution?

Another session, titled "Journalistic training in conflict-related situations" carries the following introduction: Good journalism needs good journalists. Journalistic quality and integrity is important and crucial in conflict-related situations. Yet, especially in conflict and post-conflict states the standard of training of journalists and technicians is often not satisfactory. Media and journalism training, therefore, has to be one of the core activities of media promotion in the transformation phase.

Deadline for registration is 28 May 2008. For more information click here

OSI monitors European TV standards

Posted: 9 May 2008

New monitoring reports from EUMAP, the Open Society Institute, examine commercial and public service television's obligations on gender balance, as well as national and language minorities.

The Television Across Europe reports follow up on EUMAP's 2005 reports and appear on a new website, www.mediapolicy.org. They reveal that “EU membership has not prevented a revival of political influence over broadcasting.” For more details click here.

Open Society Institute launches new website on media policy in Europe

Posted: 2 May 2008

Mediapolicy.org is a new website dedicated to monitoring and debating issues of broadcasting policy, regulation and independence in Europe and beyond. It is intended as a resource for media professionals, activists, academics and all others interested in broadcasting policy. Over time, mediapolicy.org will develop into an online journal that will cover broadcasting policy and standards from various angles, not just in Europe but in other regions of the world as well. For more information and to access the website click here.

ECRI reports on the media

Posted: 2 May 2008

The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance has issued reports on five Council of Europe member countries. The reports on Liechtenstein, Malta, Moldova, San Marino and Serbia, monitor racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and intolerance in the media. To subscribe contact combat.racism@coe.int or click here for more information.

IFJ launches Gender Equality newsletter

Posted: 2 May 2008

The International Federation of Journalists has launched its Gender Equality Newsletter. The newsletter covers International Women's Day, as well as gender-related issues in Eastern Africa, Tunisia, Russia, Iran and the UK. For more details click here.

COPEAM 2008 ‘Media and Interculturalism' conference

Bucharest, Romania, 16-18 May 2008

Italian organisation COPEAM is holding a conference 16-18 May, with the theme 'Media and New Intercultural Challenges: Mediterranean Without Frontiers'. The conference takes place in Bucharest and will hear from experts such as Mansour Mhenni, General Director of the Tunisian Radio and Mohamed Salmawy, General Secretary of the Arabic Writers Union. MORE++

Council of Europe's Intercultural Cities programme

Posted: 28 April 2008

As a partner to the Council of Europe's programme, ‘Intercultural Cities: Governance and Policies for Diverse Communities', MDI is setting up workshops, training and consultancy in at least 12 participating European cities. According to the Council, “Media – and in particular the broadcast media – have an enormous impact on public perceptions of migrants and cultural minorities in general.” MDI's media component includes helping NGOs communicate better with the media, and training journalism academics to alert students to these issues. For more info email info@media-diversity.org

UK local government media review

Published: December 2007

The UK urban regeneration body 'Communities and Local Government' has issued a review, ‘Getting the message across: using media to reduce racial prejudice and discrimination'. According to the review, it takes more than “intuition and good intentions” to reduce racially prejudiced attitudes and behaviour in the media. The review, which explores the implications for policy makers and practitioners, adds that using media effectively is scientifically complicated, and intellectually and creatively challenging. MORE++

New Website Dedicated to Women and the Media

Posted: 22 April 2008

On 8 March 2008, the Centre of Arab Women for Training and Research (CAWTAR) and the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) launched the Tunis-based website http://www.arabwomanmedia.net, dedicated to Arab women and the media.

Awards to support creation of HIV/AIDS programming in Asia

Deadline: 9 May 2008

Journalists in Asia can apply to receive small awards of US$1,000 to help underwrite the development and production of local television and radio programming on HIV/AIDS and related issues in Asia-Pacific. Applicants must be producers of broadcasting companies in the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU). To learn more contact lisa@abu.org.my or click here. Deadline: 9 May 2008.

UNICEF Award for TV programmes on children's rights

Deadline: 30 June 2008

Journalists from Eastern Europe and Central Asia, South Asia, Southeast-East Asia and the South Pacific have until 30 June 2008 to submit entries broadcast between June 2007 and May 2008. The award will recognize an outstanding televised program for, or about, children that covers children's rights issues. Entries can include documentaries that detail the plight of children, dramas that help break down stereotypes and discrimination, or animation that teaches and entertains. For more info click here, or contact Kritsada Jirathun, at the UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Regional Office, kjirathun@unicef.org.

Award for photographs featuring ‘women's communication rights'

Deadline: 1 May 2008

A competition focused on women's communication rights will award photographs that capture women communicating and women's communication rights in action, or those illustrating how women use communication to empower themselves. Journalists, amateurs and professionals, from across the globe can apply to enter the competition, organized by the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC). A selection of entries will be exhibited in Toronto, Canada, and will be used in WACC publications. The first prize is US$500, and each of the five runner-ups will be awarded US$200. Winners will be announced on 8 May 2008. To learn more click here, or contact SH@waccglobal.org. Deadline: 1 May 2008.

Global Media Forum on Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention

Bonn, Germany, 2-4 June 2008

The role of the media in peace-building and conflict prevention in post-conflict countries will be the primary focus of an upcoming global media forum in Bonn, Germany, open to journalists and members of the media from across the world. If you are interested in shaping new solutions for peace and conflict prevention around the world, you have until 28 May to register for the event, which will take place 2-4 June. To learn more contact gmf2008@bonn-region.de or http://www.dw-gmf.de/index.php

Scholarships for Russian Journalists

Deadline: 5 May 2008

Mid-career Russian Federation journalists interested in human rights work can apply for a fellowship position being given through Harvard University to write works on human rights using provided archival resources. Applicants must have a working level proficiency of English and basic writing skills. The recipient of the fellowship will receive a stipend of $20,000. The fellowship will run from August to December, 2008. To learn more, click here. Deadline: 5th May.

Media Prize for Integration and Cultural Diversity Award Ceremony

Ljubljana, Slovenia, 9 May 2008

Europe's Media Prize for integration and cultural diversity will be awarded during a ceremonial act at the Castle of Ljubljana on May 9, 2008. Patrons are the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Prof. Dr. Danilo Türk, and the President of the European Parliament, Prof. Dr. Hans-Gert Pöttering. The CIVIS Media Prize will once again honour radio and television contributions which are particularly suitable for promoting peaceful coexistence in the European immigration society. More+++

Freeing the Lebanese Media from Sectarianism

Posted: 11 April 2008

How exactly does sectarianism affect the media in Lebanon? Will media outlets manage to overcome these tendencies to adopt a more modern stance? Could the Internet or pan-Arab media companies contribute to relieve Lebanon of its outdated confessional system? In an interview with APN, Jamil Abou Assi , a Lebanese blogger and research assistant for the Middle Eastern desk at Reporters Without Borders (RSF) discusses these questions. Click here to read interview

Powerful new UK anti-discrimination bill

Posted: 11 April 2008

Charities will be studying the powerful new anti-discrimination bill being put before the UK parliament. This seeks to replace the 100 + acts, codes and directives currently in force on the six main areas of discrimination – for race or nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age and faith. The UK Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is planning to require large companies and public bodies to carry out an “equality audit” of staff in the six “disadvantaged” sectors of their workforces. On this would be based a published EHRC ranking of the organisation, which those considering working for them, or doing business with them could consider.

Course on Human Rights in Mexico

Mexico City, April - October 2008

A certificated course in human rights for experienced journalists and social communicators will be offered April 5 to October 18, 2008 by Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City. The program is intended for journalists with proven experience in print, TV, radio or digital media. Participants must send a letter attesting to their experience and work. For more information, contact Iván Alonso Báez Díaz at derechos.humanos@uia.mx or ivan.alonso@uia.mx .

Manual for Journalists covering Disability in Africa

Posted: 26 March 2008

Journalists in Africa who want to include the concerns of people with disabilities in their news coverage can consult a training manual released by the Secretariat of the African Decade of Persons with Disabilities. The manual is intended to help the some 80 million persons with disabilities in Africa that are often discriminated against and excluded from schools, work opportunities and health services, to become more visible in their societies, according to the report's introduction. To access the manual (PDF) visit http://www.africandecade.org/trainingmaterials/journalist-training-manual

Handbook for Bloggers and Cyber-Dissidents

Posted: 26 March 2008

On the occasion of Online Free Expression Day, March 12, t he France-based press freedom organization Reporters Without Borders made available a new version of the Handbook for Bloggers and Cyber-Dissidents , which offers practical advice and techniques on how to create a blog. To access the handbook visit http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=26187

Web site for Arab women journalists

Posted: 26 March 2008

The Centre of Arab Women for Training and Research (CAWTAR) and the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) launched a Web site titled “Arab Women and Media” on the occasion of International Women's Day, March 8. The Web site encourages networking among Arab journalists working on women's issues. It also provides portraits of renowned Arab women journalists in 17 Arab countries, in addition to news on media development in the Middle East. For more information, contact cawtaryat@cawtar.org

AIDS 2008 conference, 3-8 August, Mexico City

Journalists from across the globe have the opportunity to attend the AIDS 2008 conference in Mexico City, from August 3 to 8. This year's theme is “Universal Action Now.” The event will provide opportunities for the presentation of important new scientific research. For media information visit http://www.aids2008.org/subpage.aspx?pageId=363 . Scholarships available for qualified print, broadcast, and online journalists who have covered HIV/AIDS . For more information, contact Ms. Kashmir Hill at khill@nationalpress.org

Report on British Muslims and the Media now published on web

Posted: 18 March 2008

The report Entitled 'The Search for Common Ground - Muslims, Non-Muslims, and the UK Media' is available at the following web address : http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/equalities/docs/commonground_report.pdf

The 180 page Report was commissioned by the Mayor of London. It extensively covers the relationship between Muslims in the UK and the media, and includes topics such as  the concept of Britishness, experiences of Muslim journalists, and Islamophobia.

Women make the news: UNESCO promotes gender equality in the media

Posted: 18 March 2008

“Women Make the News” , UNESCOs global operation to promote gender equality in the media, was launched for the eighth year on the occasion of International Women's Day (8 March) 2008. Womens Untold Stories has been chosen as the theme for Women Make the News 2008. UNESCO invites women to produce news stories and features highlighting their multiple talents, achievements and contributions from their own perspective. Click here for more info.

First Pakistan and Afghan Conflict Reporting Course in London

London, 17-28 March 2008

A group of 18 Pakistan and Afghan journalists will attend the first ever joint course on Conflict Reporting in London on 17th-28th March.The course is organized by Intermedia, Islamabad, in collaboration with Media Diversity Institute, with support from the British High Commission.

During the two-week course journalists will explore the practicalities, theory and management issues of working in conflict zones. The basic objective of the training is to build the capacity of the journalists from Pakistan and Afghanistan to report on conflict and post-conflict issues through training and exposure to successful, high profile case studies of conflict resolution.

The Media Diversity Institute, London, having media trainers of international repute at its panel, collaborates with Intermedia for conducting this training. The training is led by Tim Williams, of Projects-Direct.Net who has over 20 years experience training and working alongside journalists in Afghanistan, Iraq, Burma and the former Soviet bloc. Other trainers include Robin Britten, former Planning Editor of Radio Five Live and Mansoor Mirza of the LSE.

During the course the journalists will meet the Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Maleeha Lohdi, herself a former journalist. They will also visit the BBC World Service Persian, Pashto and Urdu services. Times correspondent Christina Lamb and M. Ziauddin, former editor of the Dawn newspaper Islamabad edition, will also join the trainees for a debate to assess the state of journalism in the region. The journalists will also meet BBC correspondents recently returned from covering the Pakistan elections as well as media NGOs who support the rights of journalists. One day of the course is devoted to reporting diversity as related to conflict.

The course will be followed by a study trip to the Balkans and seminars in Kabul and Peshawar later this year. For more info contact Farid.Littleproud@media-diversity.org or call +44 (0) 207 2552 473.

Fellowships available for mental health journalism

Deadline: 28 April 2008

The  Carter Centre in Atlanta , GA , provides six one-year fellowships for journalists to study a selected topic regarding mental health or mental illnesses. Each journalist awarded will receive a $10,000 stipend. Applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in journalism and submit an application packet (packet found online). The postmark deadline for applications is April 28, 2008. Please consult www.cartercenter.org for further information, or contact Rebecca Palpant (ccmhp@emory.edu ).

Giving a voice to Moderate Muslims in Indonesia: Training for NGOs and journalists

Indonesia, 27 January – 21 February 2008

London-based charity Media Diversity Institute (MDI) is offering a series of six workshops to NGOs and journalists in Indonesia who are eager to promote moderate Muslim voices. “Journalists somehow prefer going to the loudest ones, whatever their story is about. In the case of religion, and in particular in this ‘war on terror' era, it is not only unprofessional, but dangerous as well, not to hear all relevant voices”, says MDI Executive Director, Milica Pesic. The series of workshops is starting on January 27 and will end February 21, with the first three workshops held in Jakarta and the other three in Yogyakarta, Padang, and Makassar. The Three-day workshops, funded by the UK FCO, will consist of joint and separate sessions for journalists and representatives of NGOs. The MDI local partner for the series is Media OnTrack, Jakarta. For more details on the workshops please contact Farid Littleproud. For availability please contact Imelda Sarajan or Ade Armando.

Case-study for Diversity

Posted: 14 January 2008

Scott E. Page, Professor at Michigan University, in his new book "The Difference: How the Power of Diversity Creates Better Groups, Firms, Schools and Societies" (Princeton University Press), uses mathematical modelling and case studies to show how variety in staffing produces organizational strength. Read an interview with him by CLAUDIA DREIFUS of The New York Times by clicking here.

Training Video for journalists covering conflicts and disasters

Posted: 21 Dec 2007

AlertNet, Reuters' humanitarian news network, has launched a training video for journalists covering conflicts and disasters. The video includes a toolkit including crisis briefings, aid agency news feeds, interactive training and more. For more info click here or contact alertnet@reuters.com

Leadership Workshop for women media managers from post-Soviet countries

Vilnius, Lithuania, 10-12 April 2008

The workshop, which will be hosted by the International Women's Media Forum, the Kazikacs Family Foundation and Internews, aims to help women from the former Soviet republics become strong leaders in news media and form a regional network of support. The  workshop will be held from April 10-12 in Vilnius, Lithuania. The workshop fee is US$50, which covers roundtrip transportation, accommodation, meals and a small per diem for incidental travel expenses. The workshop will be conducted in English with a possible Russian translation. For more information click here or e-mail programs@iwmf.org

Oxfam's Prize for written works on HIV/AIDS issues

Deadline: 31 January 2008

Oxfam Great Britain has called for entries for the Susie Smith Memorial Prize on HIV and AIDS. The prize honors written works from Sub-Saharan Africa on the topic of HIV/AIDS. Any type of written work – including news articles, poetry or fiction – that has been published since January 2006, is eligible for entry. The winner will be announced in April 2008. The winner will receive UK £3,000. For more information, click here.

Nominations sought for Courage and Lifetime awards for Women Journalists

Nominations by: 1 March 2008

The Washington D.C.-based International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF) is seeking nominations for its Courage in Journalism Awards and Lifetime Achievement Award. It will honor female journalists from all over the world who have “demonstrated extraordinary strength of character in pursuing their profession under difficult or dangerous circumstances,” explained the organizers. Last day to nominate someone is March 1, 2008. For more info click here or contact Lindsey Wray at LWray@iwmf.org

UNICEF Course on reporting on Children

Colombo, Sri Lanka, 17-21 December 2007

UNICEF and the Institute for the Further Education of Journalists (Fojo) invite journalists to apply for a course on reporting on children from December 17 to December 21. Course topics include children's rights in Sri Lanka, reporting on child abuse and delinquency, child sex and child labor, use of images, and ethical concerns. The course will be held at the Sri Lanka Press Institute in Colombo. For more info click here

Video Library dedicated to HIV/AIDS

The Kaiser Family Foundation has launched a new free video library online to provide television producers and filmmakers around the world with free stock footage that can be used in reporting about health issues including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. Videos are available in Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, India, and Latin America. They can be viewed online and ordered for free. The library is also accepting submissions from video journalists. For more information, click here

Panos to award HIV/AIDS reporting in Bangladesh

Deadline: 11 December 2007

Reports related to the topic “Universal access to comprehensive prevention programs, treatment, care and support by 2010” have a chance to get awards if published or broadcast between July 6 and December 8 2007. The awards will honor 12 investigative features. Each of the winners will receive BDT15,000 (about US$220). For more information, contact Panos Bangladesh at panosbangladesh@panossouthasia.org or mayeen2001@yahoo.com , or click here

Multimedia publication on asylum and migration

Posted: 30 November 2007

VIRTUAL MIGRANT has produced multiple-format EXHALE, a publication containing original artworks (video, interactive and audio) produced by a number of artists. Their art, video and music with conscience, anger, sensitivity and emotion, reflect ‘a range of unsensational yet quietly powerful and thought-provoking narratives on the lives and wider contexts around the asylum and migration stories and perspectives which the artists have connected with across the UK'. The box set includes a video-DVD, an audio-CD, interactive ROM art, and two booklets of essays, images and contexts. For more check www.virtualmigrants.com/exhale or email info@virtualmigrants.com.

'Time of the Gypsies?' - An evening of debate, artwork and music

16 November 2007; 6.00pm-11.00pm
Venue: Frontline Club, 13 Norfolk Place, London W2 1QJ

This event, set up to mark The First Roma Pavilion at the 52nd Venice Biennale of Contemporary Art and the International Day of Tolerance is organized by the Media Diversity Institute, Artefacta and The Roma Pavilion. Free entrance. Seating limited.

For more info & to book please contact Lavinia Olmazu on 07800 799 905; lavinia.olmazu@media-diversity.org

MORE+++

Reporting Diversity Workshop for Egyptian Academics

Cairo, Egypt, 12-13 November 2007

MDI is organising a two-day Reporting Diversity Curricula Development workshop for journalism academics in Cairo, Egypt, on November 12th-13th 2007.

The main aim of the workshop is to introduce the central concepts that underpin the practice of critical, inclusive, and responsible journalism. The curricula will focus on a range of issues whose professional coverage is essential to the empowerment of civil society, inter-cultural understanding/dialogue and the strengthening of democratic values. These issues include: Ethnicity, Religion, Gender/women's issues, Youth, People with Disabilities, and Human/civil rights.

We are inviting six Egyptian and five European academics to participate and present their teaching modules, exchange ideas and develop new modules for the future based on this experience. If you are interested in this event please contact us at tbonny@media-diversity.org or if you are applying from Egypt contact our local coordinator at reem.morsi@gmail.com

Gambian journalists join Media Malaria Network

Posted: 9 November 2007

A group of journalists in Gambia plan to launch their chapter of the African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN) on November 13. That would be the ninth country to have representation in the network. The network includes journalists, scientists, and health workers who aim to improve media coverage of malaria control and prevention. The network began after a malaria reporting workshop in November 2006 in Ghana. The network's other chapters are in Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania. For more information: http://www.ammren.org/index.html

Award for reports on Arab women's rights

Deadline: 30 November 2007

Organized by the Arab Center for Research and Training, the competition has two categories – print / online journalists and journalism students.  Topics could include Arab women and financial rights, civil and political rights, or laws that address the personal status of women. The winners will receive US$2,000 (print / online journalists) and US$2,500 (journalism students).For more details, contact Lubna Najjar at infot@cawtar.org or media.cawtar@planet.net

Online resource launched for reporters covering AIDS

Posted: 30 October 2007

The Washington-based National Press Foundation (NPF) launched the NPF Helpdesk, a free, online resource for reporters worldwide covering issues related to HIV and AIDS. The NPF's mission is to help journalists understand complex issues and thus contribute to greater public understanding. For more information, visit http://www.nationalpress.org/

Young producers network trains on HIV/AIDS issues

Posted: 30 October 2007

UNESCO has published a new Web page that explains the work of the Global Network of Young TV Producers on HIV and AIDS.   The network so far involves more than 90 young TV producers, according to UNESCO. Its goal is to improve the skills of producers who cover HIV and AIDS. The project is part of UNESCO's Communication and Information Program and its strategy for responding to HIV and AIDS. The network's Web site: http://snipurl.com/1sr1g

Call for more reporting on poverty

Posted: 30 October 2007

A London-based NGO,  Panos U.K,  has recently published a report urging media to cover poverty. The report, “Making Poverty the Story: Time to involve the media in poverty reduction,” advocates dialogue and debate about poverty and related issues, as well as strategies for reducing it. Recommendations include cultivating stronger relationships between civil society and the media, and encouraging government officials to use the media for public information campaigns. The full report (PDF format): http://www.panos.org.uk/PDF/reports/making_poverty_the_story.pdf

Report on citizen journalism during Burma crackdown

Posted: 30 October 2007

The Open Net Initiative (ONI) has published a paper titled “Pulling the Plug: A Technical Review of the Internet Shutdown in Burma.” The research sorts through the details of how a small group of people used blogs and other online tools to communicate with each other during the protests and government crackdown. The government responded by shutting down all Internet connectivity in the country. Even though there is little internet access in Burma, these bloggers helped keep the public informed. For more information, visit http://opennet.net/ . The full report is available at http://opennet.net/research/bulletins/013 .

Weak Human Rights coverage in Arab online media

Posted: 24 October 2007

A new study by the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (HRINFO) found that online media do not effectively address human rights causes in Arab countries. Entitled “Electronic Media and Human Rights,” the study analyzes the content of Web sites published by news media as well as human rights organizations. On the news sites, according to the report, “although human rights were mentioned in many news stories and reports, human rights as a discourse and as a guiding principle did not seem to affect or influence the reporting in general in the electronic Arab media.” That part of the study focused on eight of the biggest Arabic news sites: aljazeera.net, alarabiya.net, islamonline.net, elaph.com, copts-united.com, moheet.com, middle-east-online.com and naseej.com. The study is available at (in Arabic) http://www.hrinfo.net or (in English) http://openarab.net/en/reports . For more information  visit http://www.hrinfo.net/en/reports/2007/pr1001.shtml

Talking openly about HIV/AIDS & sex in India

Posted: 18 October 2007

Anita Anand, a writer and a journalist, has recently published an editorial on media efforts to talk openly about HIV/AIDS in India as part of Internews Europe online forum for the media community .  In this article the author discusses the way media approaches the issue of HIV/AIDS.  ' 'Where's the Sex in HIV/AIDS?''. As put by Internews who promote the debate, " The greatest challenge lies in making media people comfortable with their own sexuality, putting sex & sexuality into their HIV/AIDS reportage. Is the media ready for this?"...   + read and comment this editorial  .Send your comments and reactions to internews website: http://www.internews.fr/spip.php?article377

‘Reporting on HIV/AIDS' training for broadcasters in Asia and the Pacific region

Deadline: 30 October 2007

This workshop is to be part of the World Electronic Media Forum, scheduled for December 7 to 9, 2007, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Applicants must have at least five years of experience as a producer or journalist and be proficienct in English. Deadline: October 30. Those selected will receive an economy-class round-trip ticket, hotel accommodation, and per diem. The participant's organization is expected to air the five-minute mini-documentary on June 27, 2008, to mark the first HIV International Testing Day. For more information, contact madhu@aibd.org.my , anom@abu.org.my , or visit http://snipurl.com/1s3b6 .

Prize for reporting on children's rights in Serbia

Deadline: 5 November 2007

UNICEF is offering an award for the best reporting on children and their rights in Serbia. Deadline: November 5 2007. Entries must have been published or broadcast anytime from January 1 to November 1, 2007. Print, television, radio and online journalists are welcome to enter. They must submit their entry either via e-mail or in person to the UNICEF Belgrade office. Participants can submit up to three works for consideration. Participants must be at least 18 years old and work for a professional media organization in Serbia. A ceremony will honour the winners on November 20, Universal Children's Day. For more information, visit http://www.unicef.org/serbia/media_5027.html .

Tune in to Radio 1812 on International Migrants Day, 18 December 2007

The international advocacy on the human rights of migrants, is re-launching its Radio1812 project in the hope of bringing together more radios, more migrants and more concerned citizens on 18th December 2007.

Last year community stations, commercial radios and national and international broadcasters in over twenty countries stretching from Australia to Peru produced and broadcast on one day more than 50 programmes on migrants in languages from Chinese and Thai to Spanish and Kazak . For more information on how to take part in Radio 1812 or to share any existing audio content you may have on migration, please check the Radio 1812 website at: www.radio1812.net , or contact us at: radio1812@december18.net

Reporting Diversity Workshop for Egyptian Academics

Deadline: 14 October 2007.

MDI is organising a two-day Reporting Diversity Curricula Development workshop for journalism academics in Cairo, Egypt, on November 12th-13th 2007.

The main aim of the workshop is to introduce the central concepts that underpin the practice of critical, inclusive, and responsible journalism. The curricula will focus on a range of issues whose professional coverage is essential to the empowerment of civil society, inter-cultural understanding/dialogue and the strengthening of democratic values. These issues include: Ethnicity, Religion, Gender/women's issues, Youth, People with Disabilities, and Human/civil rights.

We are inviting six Egyptian and five European academics to participate and present their teaching modules, exchange ideas and develop new modules for the future based on this experience. If you are interested in this event please contact us at tbonny@media-diversity.org or if you are applying from Egypt contact our local coordinator at reem.morsi@gmail.com

New award for Diversity coverage

Deadline: 31 January 2008.

A new journalism prize will recognize work that fosters “dialogue between cultures and people by spreading awareness of diversity and tolerance.” The competition is open to journalists, under 30, working in print or online media. The deadline for submitting articles is 31 January 2008. The Vintu Foundation is sponsoring the awards in cooperation with the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ). For more info click here or contact the EFJ at efj@ifj.org

Journalism Award for promotion of Diversity in Euro-Med Region

Deadline: 31 October 2007.

The Euro-Med Journalist Prize for Cultural Dialogue rewards journalism that effectively contributes to the ongoing dialogue between cultures and people by spreading awareness of diversity and tolerance in the Euro-Mediterranean region. The international competition is organized by the Anna Lindh Foundation and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). Working print journalists who are nationals of one of the 37 Euro-Mediterranean countries can apply by submitting an article(s) relating to the Euro-Med Region. Four winners will be awarded 5000 Euros each. Deadline for entries is 31 October 2007. For more info click here.

"Boundless" Diversity Media Award

Deadline: 30 September 2007

The aim of the "Boundless" media award is to promote cultural diversity, and, in particular, cross-border journalism that makes an innovative contribution to the ongoing dialogue between cultures. Young journalists with experience in television and/or multimedia who come from a Euro-Med, EBU and/or COPEAM Member State are eligible to apply. Winners receive a six week training programme. Closing date for applications is 30 September 2007. For more information go to www.integration-media.eu.

‘Every Word Matters: Communicating Diversity' Conference

Leeds, UK, 16 November 2007

This one-day, international conference, organised by the leading communication ethics institute in the UK, is an opportunity for practitioners and academics to come together and discuss the crucial issues that surround the communication of diversity – diversity in all its forms. Discussions will include: representations of diversity in the media – both in Britain and abroad; language, ideology and myth in the constructions of diversity; and the relationship between ethics and diversity. Speakers include Milica Pesic, Executive Director of the Media Diversity Institute, and Mike Jempson, Director of the MediaWise Trust. For further info or to book a place contact k.hill@leedstrinity.ac.uk.

Event to promote Diversity among Media Professionals

London, 21 September 2007

The ‘Move On Up In News' event to be held at the TUC in London on the 21 September 2007, aims to help address the under-representation of black and minority ethnic (BME) workers in news. Media groups taking part in the event include the BBC, Channel 4, ITV News, Reuters, Al Jazeera English, and the Guardian. As well as news executives, correspondents and presenters being available to offer advice, there will also be a number of workshops. The event is free and application forms can be obtained by emailing Lesley Burt (lburt@bectu.org.uk). The official deadline for applications was 20 July but, this has been extended. More++

Contest seeks pieces on discrimination & diversity

Deadline: 30 September 2007

Print and online journalists can submit articles on diversity or discrimination for a competition that spans the European Union. Entry deadline: September 30. Articles could deal with a constellation of issues, whether racial, ethnic, religious, or on the grounds of gender, age or sexual orientation. There will be 27 national winners—one for each EU country—and three overall winners. The overall first, second, and third prizes each include a trip to the EU country of the winner's choice to participate in a visiting journalists' program. The prizes are worth EU€4,500, €3,000 and €2,000, respectively. For more details, contact journalist-award@stop-discrimination.info or click here.

Conference addresses media and information warfare

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 16-17 August 2007

Journalists can join academic experts at an upcoming conference entitled ‘Media and Information Warfare: A Global Challenge in the 21 st Century.' Organizers describe it as an opportunity for media professionals and experts to gather, share knowledge on the theme, and network. Among other objectives, one of the aims of the conference is to provide a forum for discussion on the role of mass media in information diffusion and intervention in time of conflict in the globalisation era. For more details click here. Queries may be sent to M_I_War2007@salam.uitm.edu.my or wanaryati@tmsk.uitm.edu.my

Award to recognize journalism that promotes tolerance in the Middle East

Deadline: 31 July 2007

Articles that contribute to better understanding among people in the Middle East are eligible for the Eliav-Sartawi Awards for Middle Eastern Journalism, presented by Search For Common Ground. Deadline: July 31. Articles can be in Arabic, Hebrew, English or other languages, and they must have been published from May 1, 2006, to July 31, 2007, in a recognized newspaper, magazine, Web site or other periodical. Winners get US$1,000 and an invitation to New York for a November award ceremony at Columbia University. For more information or to apply, contact AwardsME2007@sfcg.org or click here.

Courses on the Media and Gender

Mauritius 16-20 July 2007; Tanzania 20-24 August 2007

The Southern African Media and Gender Institute (SAMGI) is organizing two courses on media and gender-related themes, as part of its agenda to promote human rights by strengthening diverse voices. The first course is scheduled for July 16-20 in Mauritius, the second for August 20-24 in Tanzania. Participants must come from the host country and the courses are free of charge. For a full schedule and application forms, click here. For more information, contact siraj@samgi.org.za.

Media and Migration Conference

Leeds University, Leeds, UK, 7 & 8 September 2007

The prime focus of the ‘Mediations of Cultural Difference: Debating Media and Diversity' conference to be held at Leeds University, will be to address the debate around cultural difference, communication, and the media. Click here for more info

Celebrating European cultural diversity: The ECF Princess Margriet Award

Posted June 2007

The European Cultural Foundation (ECF) is introducing a new award in special recognition of outstanding contributions to cultural diversity in Europe. Applications for the award will be invited from outstanding creators and intellectuals, cultural operators and organisations - for works and projects which set European standards of discourse and cultural practice regarding cultural diversity. The first award ceremony will be take place in Brussels in 2008, the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, and €50,000 will be distributed in prizes. Applications will be invited from autumn 2007. Click here for more info

Journalist & former MDI trainee assassinated in Iraq

Sahar Hidari, a courageous Iraqi journalist and former MDI trainee, was assassinated outside her home in Mosul, on Thursday 7 June 2007.

Sahar was the top reporter working in the perilous Mosul region, fearlessly writing about efforts by extremist forces to take control of the city and foment sectarian conflict. She worked for a Mosul newspaper, for the Voices of Iraq news agency, and for the Institute for War & Peace Reporting (IWPR). Her most recent story was a moving feature on the stoning to death of a young Yezidi girl who had converted to Islam after falling in love with a Muslim boy. See: http://www.iwpr.net/?p=icr&s=f&o=335541&apc_state=heniicr200705

Sahar participated in two MDI courses in February this year, one of which addressed the key issues and challenges facing women journalists in today's Iraq. In her application for the MDI training she wrote: "Since I live and work in Mosul, I have faced the difficulties and dangers of being a female journalist in this very dangerous environment. I narrowly escaped an attempt to get stabbed in early 2005, and another attempt to be kidnapped, almost at the same time. Beginning of 2006, after the bombing of the shrine in Samara, I got wounded when taking pictures of a gathering at a Husseiniya in Mosul. Also letters from jihad-movements with my name, mentioning me as journalist, have been posted on mosque-walls asking for my assassination."

Despite these death threats and previous attempts on her life, Sahar continued to work. She wrote last year in the UK Press Gazette: “… I have never thought about quitting, as journalism is my life …” Sahar was born in Baghdad in 1962, and leaves behind a husband and three children. Our sympathies and best wishes go out to her family, friends, and colleagues, and all the other journalists who risk their lives trying to make the world a better place.

Sahar (bottom, far right) on MDI course in Amman, Jordan, February 2007.

Award to honour efforts at regional unity in SE Europe

Posted May 2007

The ‘Dr. Erhard Busek – SEEMO 2007 Award for Better Understanding in South East Europe' seeks nominations of media workers who have made significant contributions to the fight against racism, divisiveness, and xenophobia in Southeast Europe . Nomination deadline: 1 st June 2007 . For more information, contact info@seemo.org or visit http://snipurl.com/1jdaq

Scholarships for attendees of conference on AIDS

Colombo, Sri Lanka, Aug 19-23 2007

The 8th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific will draw together members of the scientific, political, non-profit, and media communities to network, participate in workshops, and develop sustainable partnerships for promoting HIV/AIDS awareness and treatment. Limited number of scholarships for attendees from the region available. The application deadline for scholarships has been extended to April 20.  For more information, contact media@icaap8.lk or visit http://www.icaap8.lk.

International conference on media coverage of culture and faith

Istanbul, May 12-15 2007

Editors, media executives, and journalists from around the world are invited to attend a four-day discussion. Program topics include the press’ relationship to culture and faith in a globalizing world, media ownership, human rights, and the role of Turkey and China in international affairs.  Organizer: the International Press Institute. The conference’s keynote speaker: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Prime Minister of Turkey. For more information, contact mkudlak@freemedia.at or visit http://www.ipiturkey.com.

American radio presenter fired over racist remarks

Posted Apr 2007

Don Imus, a controversial American radio presenter, was fired on Friday 13 April over racist/sexist remarks that he made on his show ‘Imus in the Morning’ (broadcast simultaneously on radio station WFAN and MSNBC TV). Referring to the Rutgers University coloured women’s basketball team, Imus told listeners, “That’s some rough girls from Rutgers. Man, they got tattoos. That’s some nappy-headed hos there.” Imus was initially suspended by MSNBC and CBS Radio, which owns WFAN Radio, but continuing public pressure and criticism from prominent figures eventually led to his sacking. Al Roker (NBC TV personality) commented, “what he said was vile and disgusting. It denigrated an entire team and by extension, a community.” Imus had repeatedly apologised for the remarks and tried to explain them in the context of his ‘comedy sports-talk’ show.
Read More CNN;Imus explains his remarks.

Funding available for Arab documentaries on role of women

Posted Apr 2007

Independent television news producers from selected countries in the Middle East and North Africa can apply for funds to make a documentary film.  Subjects that will be considered include the role of women in society.  The last day to apply for the first round of grants is May 30.   For more information and to apply, visit www.ammannet.net/tv  or contact newsroom@irex.org.

'Western media on Arab world' conference

16-18 April 2007, Jordan

The Fourth Arab Media Forum, to  be held in Jordan,  will discuss the presentation of the Arab world in Western media.   

The event will host a number of newspapers editors, Arab information ministers, veteran media professionals, writers and anchors, among others.  For more information, contact info@amforum.info.

Jordanian non-media women to learn about media

Jordanian Women who are active in social or voluntary work are invited to attend a training workshop on how to effectively communicate with the national media.  Organized by the Arab Women Media Center (AWMC) and the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), the training is scheduled to take place at the end of April in Amman, Jordan. For more information and to apply online, visit
www.ayamm.org/arabic/AWMform4.htm or contact awmc@ayamm.org.

I'lam Media Center for Arab Palestinians in Israel has produced a report on Women’s Representation in the News of Commercial Arab Newspapers in Israel. The report is by Dr. Amal Jamal and Umayma Diab. The report says that women are a marginal social group in the public sphere of societies. This fact is also true regarding Arab society, where women are usually excluded from key positions in political and social institutions.

One of the social institutions that plays an important role in portraying women in society and their social roles is the media. Although the media is not the sole player in constructing the image of women in society, it has become a very central player in recent decades. For further information about the report please see: www.ilamcenter.org

Course to explore gender and peace-building
Journalists in Romania interested in conflict resolution can apply to attend a five-day gender and peace-building program. Application deadline: January 10 for participant who don’t need a visa. The course is organized by Transcend and the Peace Action, Training and Research Institute of Romania (PATRIR) and is scheduled to take place at the Romanian Peace Institute, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, from January 29 to February 2, 2007

Fourth arm of the state. Romania's press becomes a willing partner in prejudice
Romania's media is a willing partner in the perpetuation of racism, prejudice and discrimination. Despite its new-found enthusiasm for taking the leadership in the fight against corruption in high places – a useful card in its game plan for accession to the European Union – Romania's media plays a limited role in the fight against racism, violence and rampant discrimination. On the contrary, it plays to the prejudices of its consumers, more often promoting discrimination than fighting against it. Racism and domestic violence, for instance, are widespread in Romania but do not form any part of public discourse. Discussion of such things is seen as prejudicial to the country's efforts to join the EU and to be avoided at all costs; any attempt to raise these issues is met with hostility in the media. Discriminatory and offensive language is a daily phenomenon in the media, feeding the insensitivity of its consumers to the discrimination and violence that are endemic in Romanian society. Far from performing an educational role, the media forms part of the political and judicial structures that effectively ensure an almost complete ban on the exposure of racism, discrimination, inequality and violence. Efforts by human rights organisations in recent years to bring these things to light have had a certain amount of success. At the same time, however, hostility to such work has resulted in the emergence of a public discourse that defines a dangerous dichotomy between those 'activists' and 'true Romanians'. Read more of this article

A new newspaper dedicated to the problems of disabled persons in self-proclaimed Abkhazian Republic
Newspaper "Inva-info" has been published under the Education Is Everybody's Right project. Its circulation is 1000 copies and it's disseminated first of all among invalids, their relatives and friends. The newspaper will be also disseminated among the state officials whose responsibility is the solution of the handicapped people's problems. It's a two year project and its aim is making invalids more active, deepening civil education among them, overcoming the social and physical barriers they face at the public opinion level.

The newspaper publishes information about international conventions and normative acts, best practices of invalids' organizations in Abkhazia and abroad, social assistance given to the Abkhazian invalids by the authorities of that self-proclaimed republic.

News agencies "Caucasus Press" and "Apsnypress"

Journalism award seeks to eliminate discrimination
December 31, 2006 is the last day for journalists from European Union (EU) countries to submit their best reports on discrimination issues to an award.

The For Diversity against Discrimination journalist award honors individuals whose reporting contributes to better understanding of diversity and discrimination.

Journalists working in print or online media and living and working in any of the EU's 25 member countries are eligible to participate in this competition.

Contestants should submit articles published by a media organization based in an EU member country anytime between 1 January and 31 December 2006, which discuss diversity or discrimination issues. The articles can be in any of the 20 official EU languages and must have a minimum of 3,800 words each.

The first, second and third prize winners will receive a trip to an EU country of their choice where they can study journalism issues that interest them. The winners will also be invited to an award ceremony held in the spring of 2007 in Brussels.

For more information, or to apply, visit http://www.journalistaward.stop-discrimination.info/.

CNN to boost citizen journalism initiative
CNN plans to standardize how it solicits and handles user-contributed news amid an industry-wide move to let consumers play a more prominent role in the news gathering process. The cable news network on Tuesday plans to announce it has created a new program to let users send in digital audio and video from breaking news events in their region. Users can e-mail or upload these so-called "I-Reports" directly from CNN's site. (Reuters).

2006 Leadership Institute for Women Journalists:
A MANAGER HAS A JOB, BUT A LEADER HAS A CALLING
Many women manage in newsrooms, but it takes more than management skills to become a leader. Leaders are the people who set the pace, the people to whom everyone goes for answers, who remain calm in crisis and who look at journalism as a calling and not just a job.

This was one of the topics of the 2006 Leadership Institute for Women Journalists. The last month   event geared toward mid-career journalists, featured sessions on such topics as work-life balance, diversity and leading change in a newsroom. (IWMF)