Serbia Investigative Reporting Workshop
February 18—29, 2008
The
two-week program was sponsored by the International Media Training Center of
the International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB) at the invitation of the United
States Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia.
Local hosts were the Independent Journalists Association of Serbia
(NUNS) in Belgrade and the Media Center in Nis.
The
journalists I worked with in Belgrade and Nis were very professional and
enthusiastic. I was treated with
care and friendship during the two weeks.
Kosovo
declared its independence from Serbia the evening I arrived in Belgrade. There
were protest demonstrations near my hotel, but I never felt in any danger. The
concern expressed by my hosts at NUNS in Belgrade for my safety was genuine and
deeply appreciated. The hospitality extended to me by my Serbian hosts in Belgrade
and Nis as well as by the U.S. embassy was extraordinary. A special thanks to William Wanlund whose friendship from day one is a special memory.
The
participants in both cities worked extremely hard on their assignments and
their final projects demonstrated both their understanding of the concepts we
stressed as well as their professionalism and dedication. Journalists in Serbia face a number of
challenges, but if they can maintain the level of enthusiasm demonstrated the
past two weeks, then the nation
should be confident in the role the media will play in the future.