2009 TV CO-OP PROPOSAL FOR SLOVAKIA

UNCLAS BRATISLAVA 000201 DEPARTMENT FOR PA/OBS/BS - GEORGE SANTULLI ALSO FOR EUR/PPD, EUR/NCE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPRC ECPS KPAO LO SUBJECT: 2009 TV CO-OP PROPOSAL FOR SLOVAKIA REF: STATE 12958 ¶1. PAS Bratislava submits the following project from TV Reduta, a local channel in Spisska Nova Ves, for original production in the U.S. All three topics of the proposal are in accordance with MSP priorities. Though a local TV, Reduta will incorporate into its production team a reporter from another local TV. The documentaries will then reach a wider audience in several Slovak regions. The documentaries will also be shared with other local and regional TV stations in Slovakia through an ssociation of over 40 members. ¶2. Topics suggested by TV Reduta are very relevant to Slovak audiences and will be produced to high journalistic standards. Local TV stations face these sensitive issues on a daily basis; however their solution in Slovakia is rarely work out or successfully implemented. That's why TV Reduta would like to compare and contrast American solutions at national and civic levels as possible outcomes for Slovak society. ¶3. Topic 1: Election financing and mass media This topic looks at municipal elections. Sponsors of these campaigns tend to gain the largest media space of time for their political nominees, mainly through influencing owners of mass media outlets. The main concern here is resistance of a media outlet to pressure of sponsors, who extensively bankroll media organizations. The second concern: maintaining balance and objectivity within a limited budget. Also, how can reporters resist pressure from management and owners. This project will take one well-known Slovak case as a model, in which sharp practices were used and uncovered, and compare American approaches in a similar situation. ¶4. Topic 2: Multicultural education system The U.S. is a country with a multicultural environment with many immigrants, therefore the need to have an educational system responsive to these conditions. Cultural and religious diversity makes high demands on a school system and educational process. How can the American education system provide high quality elementary and secondary education? Which education schemes and teaching strategies are used in the framework of a multinational education system? How is this system funded? Who oversees quality and funding of multicultural education? ¶5. Topic 3: Social inclusion of handicapped people In every developed country there exists a social security system aimed at helping the physically handicapped population meet at least minimal living standards. This topic looks at how these people are integrated into the educational system and what are conditions of daily life and labor market for them. After leaving school, how do handicapped people find jobs? TV Reduta will look at their success as employees and what are their social safety nets. They want to focus on relationships between employers and handicapped workers. ¶6. Funding: As a local Slovak TV station, TV Reduta cannot pay for air fares to U.S. Post suggests the following cost-share: 1 ticket paid by post, 2 tickets paid by EUR/PPD. ¶7. Minimize considered. Eddins.