REQUEST FOR DVC SPEAKER ON THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN NATION

UNCLAS PARAMARIBO 000123

SIPDIS

FOR IIP/S CBARONE, FROSA
INFO WHA/PDA CPETERSON, CWEST
WHA/CAR JROSHOLT

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KPAO NS
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR DVC SPEAKER ON THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN NATION
BUILDING


1. (U) SUMMARY. Post seeks a speaker for a DVC program on "The Role
of the Media in Nation Building," to be held in July 2009. The
audience would be comprised of working journalists from print and
broadcast media, professors and students of journalism, and youth
journalists. The focus of this DVC would be on the role of the
media in conveying political news stories in a multi-ethnic,
multi-cultural society. Suriname is preparing for its May 2010
national elections, during which ethnic politics is expected to play
a role. End Summary.


2. (U) PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: In the aftermath of World Press Freedom
Day in May, and a proposed SSI speaker on press freedom in June
2009, this DVC will continue Post's outreach to local journalists.
The DVC speaker will provide a presentation on the important role
that the media plays in nation building, with specific focus on
political reporting. The media's role in informing the electorate,
and in impacting attitudes of politicians, will be covered by the
DVC speaker. The speaker should impart to the participants
necessary journalistic skills to promote unity as a means to
strengthening democracy.


3. (U) TIME FRAME: "The Role of Media in Nation Building" will take
place in July 2009, as part of Post's outreach to journalists in the
year leading up to the May 2010 national elections. The specific DVC
date will depend upon the availability of the speaker.


4. (U) PROGRAM PURPOSE: Post's objectives are to inform and assist
Surinamese journalists on how to effectively inform the electorate
on political platforms, in the lead-up to the May 2010 national
elections. As Suriname is a country with ethnic-based political
parties, the media plays an important role in conveying information
and strengthening democratic forces. Post will use this DVC to
improve our working relationship with local journalists, including
youth journalists, and for contact building with professors and
university students of journalism.


5. (U) MSP STRATEGIC GOALS: MSP Goal #1: Mutual U.S./Suriname
appreciation and respect contributing to a more effective
partnership. MSP Goal # 4: Evident U.S. contribution to Suriname's
improved economic and social development.


6. (U) AUDIENCE: The audience would be comprised of working
journalists from print and broadcast media, professors and students
of journalism, and youth journalists.


7. (U) PROPOSED TOPICS: Post requests a DVC speaker on the topic
"The Role of the Media in Nation Building."


8. (U) DESIRED SPECIALIST: Post requests assistance in identifying
an appropriate speaker, preferably from Suriname's Partner State of
South Dakota.


9. (U) LANGUAGE: English


10. (U) POST CONTACT INFORMATION: Erik Anderson, P/E Officer, tel:
(597) 472-900 ext. 2208, fax: (597) 420-800, email:
AndersonEM@state.gov. Cliff Djamin, Public Diplomacy Assistant, tel:
(597) 472-900 ext. 2290, fax: (597) 425-690, email:
DjaminSC@state.gov.


11. (U) FUNDING Specifics: Post will use I-Bucks in support of this
program.

SCHREIBERHUGHES