Norway to increase
aid to media
By Orton Kiishweko
Norway will raise by $3 million (Sh3.45 billion) its funding for improving media freedom in countries under conflict.
A statement obtained in Dar es Salaam quoted Norwegian deputy culture and church affairs minister Wegard Harsvik as saying: "This is meant to promote freedom of expression and independence of the media in countries where journalists are threatened for what they stand for."
The amount of money currently provided by Norway for such countries was not divulged.
According to the statement, Norway will also support media efforts in fighting corruption and undemocratic leadership.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the third Global Intermedia Dialogue (GIMD) in Bali, Indonesia on Wednesday, Mr Harsvik said journalists who were reporting the truth in conflict and non-conflict areas were at risk and needed that support.
He said: "There has been a dramatic increase in the killing of journalists recently."
He referred to a report issued by Reporters without Borders which showed that 86 journalists and 20 other media personnel were killed last year.
Norway has pledged support to the independent media as an international agenda.
Indonesian Foreign minister Hassan Warajuda, urged media practitioners to create a better world for their audience.
He said: You can do this by being sensitive to diversity and appreciate the immense variety of the human race.
Norway sponsors media projects in East Africa and the Middle East. It will also support the Global Investigative Journalism conference next September and the GIMD on freedom of information next year in Norway.
The GIMD is an annual event supported by Indonesian and Norwegian governments. It is an aftermath of the 2006 Prophet Muhammad controversial cartoons that triggered emotions in the Muslim world, leaving more than 139 people dead.
This year´s GIMD attracted 130 journalists from over 60 countries.
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