Macedonia Local Government Reporting
September 24—28, 2007
The
one-week program was sponsored by the Association of Macedonia Journalists
(ZNM), the United States Embassy in Skopje, and the International Broadcasting
Bureau (IBB).
The
goal of the workshop was to help local journalists and editors devise
strategies for more effective reporting of local government issues of concern
to citizens. The format combined
an exchange of views comparing the experience in Macedonia and the United
States with practical exercises.
We
met for two and one-half days each in Strumica with 13 participants and in
Ohrid with 14. Viktorio Jakovleski
of ZNM was extremely supportive prior to my arrival and worked constantly
during the week to make sure that everything ran smoothly. His efforts contributed significantly
to the success of the two workshops.
Interpreter
Dafina Nikolovska was tireless and extraordinarily effective in translating
accurately for long hours at a stretch.
Accurate communication and rapport with the journalists would not have
been possible without her energetic work.
ZNM
President Robert Popovski and Secretary General Gazmend Ajdini attended
virtually all sessions. Both
contributed importantly to an understanding of specific Macedonia journalism
challenges. Robert, is one of the
most respected broadcast journalists in Macedonia. He presented an excellent
session on interviewing. Gazmend
also attended an IBB workshop I conducted in Washington in 2000.
On
the final afternoon in Strumica,
two prominent national journalists and trainers, Sabina Fakic and German
Filkov, conducted a session on Civic Journalism. Their examples and suggestions strongly underscored the key
points I made from a United States perspective.
Ryan Rowlands, public affairs officer (PAO) for the U.S. Embassy, and Senior Media Specialist Nidija Cilimanova not only
attended key sessions of the two programs, but were extremely supportive prior
to and folloing my arrival in Macedonia.
Nidija arranged all translations for program handouts and coordinated
logistical support with Victorio.
Her excellent work is to be applauded.
My sincerest appreciation and thanks goes to everyone involved in this program--especially to the journalists for their enthusiastic and professional exchanges as well as their friendship.