EVALUATION OF PARTICIPATION OF JAMES DICKENSON IN FY10

UNCLAS PARAMARIBO 000402 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP NS KPAO SUBJECT: EVALUATION OF PARTICIPATION OF JAMES DICKENSON IN FY10 "POLITICAL REPORTING" SSI ¶1. (U) This cable is a program evaluation for the Strategic Speaker Initiative program bringing James Dickenson to Suriname from October 26-30 to advise Surinamese journalists on how to improve their political reporting skills. This addressed MSP Goal #1, mutual U.S./Suriname appreciation and respect contributing to a more effective partnership, and MSP Goal #4, evident U.S. contribution to Suriname's improved economic and social development. ¶2. (U) Overview and positives: The Program's objective was to assist Surinamese journalists in their ability to effectively cover an election campaign, especially in light of the upcoming May 2010 parliamentary elections. Special emphasis was placed on understanding the media's role in an election, on being fair, balanced journalists in a highly-politicized environment, and on practical media training. The speaker addressed the role of the media in an election as well as preparing for and reporting on press conferences, speeches, political rallies, interviews, and other special election events. The training took place in Paramaribo and Nickerie, Suriname's second largest city. Mr. Dickenson received national print and broadcast media coverage, and was widely perceived as knowledgeable and experienced. ¶3. (U) Both the Paramaribo and the Nickerie training sessions consisted of a lectures and healthy exchanges of questions and answers. Post found Mr. Dickenson to be flexible and enjoyed working with him very much. Yet, he could have paid more attention to the Paramaribo program details provided to him by Post in advance of his travel to better prepare. He apparently had not realized until the second day of training that day two involved the same participants, and therefore, had not planned for a different day two. To his credit, Mr. Dickenson was flexible and adaptable, and improvised a plan to run mock press conferences and interviews with the Pol/Econ/PD Officer at the last moment, which proved to be useful to the journalists. ¶4. (U) Impact: The training received positive media coverage: four national newspapers carried articles; at least two national radio broadcasts aired segments; and at least three national television broadcasts covered his training, including one follow-up interview with the Pol/Econ/PD Officer in Dutch. One newspaper report criticized the training, stating that Mr. Dickenson was ill-prepared to advise journalists how to deal with encroachment on their reporting by editorial staff/ownership of media outlets involved with political parties "because the United States does not have this." It was not clear if this was a direct criticism of Mr. Dickenson or an indirect criticism of the many media outlets in Suriname that are inextricably linked to political parties and agendas. (Only one newspaper is considered independent.) Despite this situation, the trainees organically generated ideas to maintain their independence from political influences. Lastly, Ambassador John R. Nay hosted the trainees - and other journalists - at his Residence to provide them a tangible opportunity to practice their newly augmented political reporting skills. This was Suriname's first reporting opportunity to meet the then newly-arrived U.S. Ambassador to Suriname which strengthened the Embassy's rapport with key journalists. ¶5. (U) Post thanks IIP/S/SEG for their support and help in making the wonderful event possible. NAY