EBU talk sheds light on the importance of media in Roma integration

The EBU hosted a discussion in Brussels (2
October) on the socio-economic integration of the Roma people, focusing on how
the media can improve the perception of Europe’s largest minority.

Acclaimed Roma journalist Orhan Galjus, Editor-in-Chief and Founder of
Amsterdam-based Roma
Radio
Patrin, and Chairman of the

EBU Task Force on Roma Programmes, highlighted the power of radio and
television programmes in Roma languages as a key integration factor.
Establishing Radio Patrin represents his first "dream-come-true" after he
experienced the power of radio as a child.

He nevertheless believes that more can be done in mainstream media to improve
the image of Roma people, by challenging stereotypes and providing a platform
for debate and expression.

Orhan Galjus added that the launch of an EBU Task Force to promote and
exchange Roma-themed programmes is a "second dream-come-true".

Under the

EBU Partnership Programme, the task force will involve a number of public
service media organizations in Central and Southeastern Europe. Aiming to
promote Roma programmes, they will closely collaborate via the EUROVISION News
Exchange for the South East Europe network (known as ERNO) to exchange
experiences and programmes.

The EBU also invited Pauline Rouche to present the European Commission’s
activities in the field of Roma integration. As a member of cabinet for
Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding, who deals with Justice and Fundamental
Rights, Pauline Rouche described raising awareness about the need to develop
Roma integratipon policies in the EU Member States as "one of the biggest
achievements of the second Barroso Commission".

With the aim of helping EU Member States develop policies, the EU Framework
for National Roma Integration Strategies has primarily targeted education,
employment, healthcare and housing, but the media’s role has not been properly
taken into account. Pauline Roche however did point out that media can do more
to tell positive stories about Roma, the Commission has in this regard issued a
booklet entitled "Combating
anti-Roma Prejudices and Stereotypes through the Media".

While welcoming the initiatives presented on the day and raising the need for
them to better reach grass-roots Roma organisations, a number of participants
regretted that the EU Framework had overlooked the role of media for Roma
integration. They identified a number of other requirements, such as training
journalists, promoting Roma culture, boosting media literacy and improving trust
between Roma representatives and political institutions.  

Source:

http://www3.ebu.ch/cms/en/sites/ebu/contents/news/2013/10/ebu-talk-sheds-light-on-the-impo.html