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