European Parliament Hearing and Conference:
Paying the Price for Journalism and Democracy

European Parliament, Room 6Q1
2 February 2010, 9.30 - 12.30


Last year saw major changes after the European Parliament elections and there are many new faces at the European Commission, but where does the crisis in media and the future of journalism figure on the agenda of the European Union?

That's the question at the heart of a special meeting being organized by the European Federation of Journalists at the European Parliament on February 2nd.

Together with other professional groups of publishers and broadcasters present in Brussels, we have welcomed the creation of a new intergroup of Parliamentarians dealing with media issues. They are now keen to start serious talk about the severe crisis affecting media and the challenges ahead.

We hope very much you will join us. This meeting could not be more timely. In presence of MEPs member of the newly created Intergoup for Media, the hearing seeks answers to some searching questions posed by this crisis:
- What are the current trends for European media?
- What change is needed to meet information needs in the years to come?

- How can journalism and media build a new social contract of trust with society in ways that will strengthen and reinforce democratic values?
- What is the future of relations between media, citizens and the state in meeting the challenge of providing sustainable funding for media while protecting independent journalism?

Speakers include Jean-Paul Marthoz, Journalist and Writer, Enjeux Internationaux (BE), Jeremy Dear, General Secretary, National Union of Journalists (UK), Chris Elliot, Managing Editor, Guardian News & Media (UK), Verena Wiedemann, ARD, General Secretary (DE), a representative of commercial broadcasting as well as a high-level representative of the European Commission.

Let us know as soon as possible if you will attend this meeting. If you do not have a professional access badge for the European Parliament, send your personal details (full name, date and place of birth and full address) to Bernard Vanmuysewinkel: bernard@ifj.org