During its presence at the international conference of leading television and radio representatives from across the Mediterranean region, the Anna Lindh Foundation launched its new collaboration and media programme with the COPEAM Mediterranean Network of audio-visual operators. The conference which is taking place in Cairo from 16 to 19 April 2009, is organized by COPEAM in collaboration with the Egyptian Television and Radio Union.

In his key-note address to conference delegates, Andreu Claret, Executive Director of the Anna Lindh Foundation, said:
“The media sector can play a crucial role in terms of rebuilding bridges between people across the two shores of the Mediterranean, as well as offering new and diverse possibilities for mutual knowledge and personal interaction.”

The joint programme of action, which includes expansion of the Foundation’s Mediterranean Journalist Award to television, radio and online blogging, is centered on promoting the positive role of media in creating a shared space of free and reliable information and opinion.

The international conference also featured the official signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Anna Lindh Foundation and the COPEAM Network as a joint framework for the development of new initiatives.

“We are very excited about this new collaboration,” said Alessandra Paradisi, Secretary-General of COPEAM. “Working together on important initiatives such as the Mediterranean Journalist Award will be an opportunity to support media operators in playing a leading role for regional cooperation”.