The EBU hosted a discussion in Brussels (2 October) on the socio-economic integration of the Roma people, focusing on how the media can improve the perception of Europe’s largest minority.

Acclaimed Roma journalist Orhan Galjus, Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Amsterdam-based Roma Radio Patrin, and Chairman of the EBU Task Force on Roma Programmes, highlighted the power of radio and television programmes in Roma languages as a key integration factor. Establishing Radio Patrin represents his first "dream-come-true" after he experienced the power of radio as a child.

He nevertheless believes that more can be done in mainstream media to improve the image of Roma people, by challenging stereotypes and providing a platform for debate and expression.

Orhan Galjus added that the launch of an EBU Task Force to promote and exchange Roma-themed programmes is a "second dream-come-true".

Under the EBU Partnership Programme, the task force will involve a number of public service media organizations in Central and Southeastern Europe. Aiming to promote Roma programmes, they will closely collaborate via the EUROVISION News Exchange for the South East Europe network (known as ERNO) to exchange experiences and programmes.

The EBU also invited Pauline Rouche to present the European Commission’s activities in the field of Roma integration. As a member of cabinet for Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding, who deals with Justice and Fundamental Rights, Pauline Rouche described raising awareness about the need to develop Roma integratipon policies in the EU Member States as "one of the biggest achievements of the second Barroso Commission".

With the aim of helping EU Member States develop policies, the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies has primarily targeted education, employment, healthcare and housing, but the media’s role has not been properly taken into account. Pauline Roche however did point out that media can do more to tell positive stories about Roma, the Commission has in this regard issued a booklet entitled "Combating anti-Roma Prejudices and Stereotypes through the Media".

While welcoming the initiatives presented on the day and raising the need for them to better reach grass-roots Roma organisations, a number of participants regretted that the EU Framework had overlooked the role of media for Roma integration. They identified a number of other requirements, such as training journalists, promoting Roma culture, boosting media literacy and improving trust between Roma representatives and political institutions.

* EBU Head of Public Affairs Nicola Frank and Roma journalist Orhan Galjus (EBU/Catherine Harte)