TELEVISION PROGRAMMING TO BE FOCUS OF UN WORLD TELEVISION FORUM 18 - 19 NOVEMBER
Press Release
PI/1158
TELEVISION PROGRAMMING TO BE FOCUS OF UN WORLD TELEVISION FORUM 18 - 19 NOVEMBER
19990702 The focus of the next United Nations World Television Forum, to be held at United Nations Headquarters on 18 and 19 November, will be the future of television programming and its evolving role in support of the central mission of the United Nations -- the peace and development of the human family.As stated by Secretary-General Kofi Annan, "If the global village is to be a truly desirable place for all of us on this planet, it must be embedded within and guided by broader frameworks of shared values and principles. This poses an unprecedented challenge to those who have the unparalleled power to bring us the news every day."
This will be the fourth such event, with senior leaders from the television industry and broadcasting being invited to the United Nations to reflect on the central role of television in addressing the critical issues of our time. Following the first World Television Forum in 1996, the General Assembly designated 21 November as World Television Day.
The Forum is organized by the Department of Public Information (DPI), with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy and the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations. Sponsoring partners of the Forum will be RAI - Radiotelevisione Italiana, WBU - World Broadcasting Unions, Mediaset Group, The International Council of NATAS - National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, NHK, and EUTELSAT - Organisation européenne de télécommunications par satellite; Société européenne des satellites will be a co-sponsor of the event.
"Rapidly growing global audiences", noted Kensaku Hogen, Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, "underscore television's key role in furthering public understanding and support for global norms and values". In this context, and as expanding channel capacity has begun to outpace the creation of new programming, the Forum will provide a rare opportunity for senior television executives and professionals from every region of the globe to talk about the future of programme content -- the industry's most valuable resource as it navigates the overlapping challenges of new delivery, changing ownership, increased competition and convergence.
- 2 - Press Release PI/1158 2 July 1999
The Forum will be opened by Secretary-General Kofi Annan who will also lead off the discussion on the theme of the Forum. Workshops will form the core of this year's Forum and, drawing from its overall theme, will explore three broad subthemes: news and current affairs programming; formal and informal educational programming; and the role of television in development. The workshops will include panels of industry executives, programmers, communications experts, policy makers or advocacy representatives -- depending on the subject -- from every region of the world. As in previous years, the Forum will also discuss the impact of new technologies on the television industry, particularly in light of the proliferation of communication tools and the convergence of media.
For further information, contact tvforum@un.org or call (212) 963-7949.
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