Voice of America Washington, DC 20547 Tel: (202) 619-2538 Fax: (202) 619-1241 E-mail: pubaff@ibb.gov

VOA And RFE/RL Hold Seminar For Journalists In Pristina

Washington, D.C., August 19, 1999 - The Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) will conduct a seminar in Pristina for Kosovar Albanian journalists on "How to Set Up and Run a Radio Station." Sponsored by the International Broadcasting Bureau's (IBB) Office of Affiliate Relations and Media Training, this is the first such seminar VOA and RFE/RL have conducted for Kosovar Albanians. It is also the earliest--August 31 to September 1--that American international broadcasters have ever entered a conflict-ridden region to train local journalists.

The IBB expects more than twenty journalists of both Albanian and Serbian ethnic origin to attend. This "How to" seminar will focus on:

• Providing accurate and objective information to build credibility among listeners;
• Broadcasting reports that respect and defend human rights, regardless of the ethnic origin of those covered in the reports;
• Serving the needs of the local community which in turn will attract the largest possible audience; and
• Finding advertisers and sponsors to provide ongoing revenues so that stations can stay on the air.

A panel of experts from the Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and other U.S. media organizations will discuss journalistic issues and train local journalists on station management. The panel will include Dr. Elez Biberaj, Chief of VOA's Albanian Service; Mr. Donald N. Jensen, Associate Director of Broadcasting at RFE/RL; Ms. Sheila Gandji, VOA broadcaster and manager; and independent media expert Mr. Robert C. Costello.

The Office of Affiliate Relations and Media Training works with local radio stations and broadcasters around the world to provide VOA- and RFE/RL-produced programming to these stations and to train journalists around the world. Currently, more than 1,000 affiliate stations receive VOA and RFE/RL-produced programs.

Contact: George Mackenzie
Phone: (202) 619-2538
E-mail: pubaff@voa.gov