Dates: 24 – 26 October 2013
Deadline to apply: 29 September 2013
Country: Italy
The Media Diversity Institute is inviting senior print, online and broadcast editors from across Europe to meet in Cagliari, Sardinia, between 24-26 October 2013, to share their approaches, opinions and experience in relation to the challenge of balancing freedom of expression with the rise of extremist movements in Europe and how media coverage it.
Across Europe populist and extremist movements are manipulating peoples’ fears and prejudices to build support for their divisive policies at a time of economic crisis. Inciting hatred against unpopular social groups is a classic strategy to gain visibility and garner votes, especially in times of economic crises.
Concern about this phenomenon has been expressed by the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, UN special rapporteurs and many independent experts, human rights groups, academics, as well as civil society organisations. Alarm has also been raised about continued derogatory stereotyping and stigmatisation of minority groups.
What is the role of the media and journalists when hate speech is on the increase? Who should decide on the limits of freedom of speech? How do media professionals in other countries tackle the problem of hate speech and discrimination? These and other issues will be addressed at the two and half day conference in Sardinia.
Applicants should be working regularly as an editor, have a good knowledge of English, an appreciation of domestic politics and interest in human rights, and be a citizen of an EU country or EU candidate country. All costs of participants, including travel and accommodation, will be covered by the organisers.
If you are interested in attending, please apply by completing the attached application form and sending to ivana.jelaca@media-diversity.org together with your CV by end of 29 September 2013.
This project is part funded by the European Commission. It is organised by NISI, who initiated the Media4Change movement which has been hosting training around human rights issues for young European journalists since 2009. Partners include: The Baltic Centre for Investigative Journalism Re:Baltica (Latvia); Media Diversity Institute (UK); Arci Catania; TDM International (Italy); Concordia International Group (Spain); International Initiatives for Cooperation; Foundation Centre for Economic Development; International Development Alliance; & International Initiatives for Cooperation (Bulgaria).
