Request for DVC Speaker for World Press Freedom Day

UNCLAS KINGSTON 000934 SIPDIS FOR IIP/G/WHA CBARONE, JMANES; INFO WHA/PDA MJOHNSON; APRUITT; RBANKS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KPAO JM SUBJECT: Request for DVC Speaker for World Press Freedom Day ¶1. SUMMARY: Post seeks a DVC speaker in recognition of World Press Freedom Day. The discussion should focus on the increasingly complicated role of the modern journalist, who must balance the demand of generating original, breaking news stories with the need to gain the public's trust and provide fair, accurate and comprehensive press coverage. END SUMMARY ¶2. Proposed Program Date: Preferred date May 3, 2005. ¶3. MPP Theme: Strategic Goal "Democracy and Human Rights" ¶4. Purpose of the Program: According to the Society of Professional Journalists, public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. As competition between media houses increases and modern technology allows for instant publication of breaking news, how can journalists balance the demands of a modern newsroom with the need to provide fair, accurate, and comprehensive coverage to the general public? Also, how do reporting scandals - such as Jayson Blair with the New York Times and the recent CBS Evening News debacle - affect the public's trust of the media? ¶5. Audience: Working journalists, columnists, commentators and representatives of non-governmental organizations. ¶6. Proposed topics and nature of events: A digital videoconference with the audience in the U.S. Embassy's Public Affairs Auditorium (maximum 50). Suggested length of program: 90 minutes. ¶7. Type of specialist required: A working journalist, journalism lecturer or member of a non-governmental organization such as the Committee to Protect Journalism or Freedom House. ¶8. Language: English. ¶9. Funding specifics: I Bucks. ¶10. Post program officer: Glenn Guimond, PAO; tel: (876) 935- 6053; fax: (876) 929-3637; email:guimondg@state.gov. Back- up program officer: Emma Lewis, PAA, tel: (876) 935-6009; fax: (876) 929-3637; email: lewisec@state.gov. Tighe