Free Media conference

The Free Media Conference is organized by the Norwegian Institute of Journalism with support from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation and the Freedom of Expression Foundation.

The overall focus of the conference is freedom of expression, illustrated by different cases and countries around the world. The aim of the conference is to focus on media support and media development issues and to stimulate Norwegian journalists, editors, media organizations and universities to contribute in this important work and to participate in professional discussions. We also want to create a dynamic international network of people in order to build a closer professional cooperation and to share information and ideas.

This is the fifth annual conference. It will be held at the Institute in Fredrikstad on November 5 and 6, 2009. Topics to be discussed include Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Russia and the Caucasus. We will also take a look back and see if the situation has improved for journalists in Gaza during the last year.

Confirmed speakers include this year’s recipient of the Rafto prize, Azerbaijani journalist Malahat Nasibova. Acting bureau chief in Baku for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Khadija Ismayilova is coming and so is Novaya Gazeta’s deputy editor Vitaly Yaroshevsky. Journalist Jamila Omar and world-renowned photographer Reza are coming fra Afghanistan. Also participating in the panel on Afghanistan is State Secretary Espen Barth Eide of the Norwegian Ministry of Defense. David Dadge from the International Press Institute will speak about the working conditions of journalists around the globe. Sri Lankan journalist Dileesha Abeysundara and Norwegian journalist and author Sverre Tom Radøy will share their knowledge about the situation in Sri Lanka. Photographer Linda Bournane Engelberth will display her exhibit Pictures from Gaza. Kjetil Haanes from the International Federation of Journalists will talk about ongoing projects in Gaza and the West Bank.

More speakers will be announced shortly. Please check the program for updates. The conference fee, which includes room and board, is 1 000 NOK (500 NOK for students).

If you want to participate you can sign up here.

Questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us:
Ms. Elisabeth Johansen, project coordinator, elisabeth.johansen@ij.no, + 47 69 30 41 86

"Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers"
Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

You can find the programs for the previous conferences at the old Web site. They are here.