Broadcasters And Journalists From Developing Nations

Broadcasters and journalists from developing countries around the world were welcomed into Fairfield County homes over the September 15 weekend. Area families in Newtown, Westport, Wilton, Greens Farms, and Southport extended hospitality and friendship to 17 guest from Bahrain, Burundi, China, Colombia, Cyprus, Guinea, Indonesia, Libya, Malta, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Peru, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vannatu.

The media professionals are participants in a six week training program sponsored by the United Nations and CNN. Shortly after their arrival in New York on September 4, the group was introduced to former President Jimmy Carter, who gave a keynote address. The foreign newsgroup was present at the UN during the Millennium Summit where 130 world leaders gathered. “I tried very hard to get an interview with President Bill Clinton, but there was too much security,” said Colombian journalist Claudia Vesga.

Participants e-mail news stories and experiences back to their newspapers, radio, and television stations during limited free time between sessions. Wide range sessions cover topics such s human rights, the environment, women’s issues, and specific concerns including “Journalists Covering Conflict,” norms of conduct and ethical issues in conflict coverage, and “News and the Internet,” a new and vital pipeline with no control and no national barriers.

Host families enthusiastically spoke about their experiences. Newtown residents Jenny and Terry O’Grady opened their home to Pierre Cassar from Malta and Alvaro Ugax from Peru.

“We had a wonderful time and have done this [hosted international guests] for many years,” said Jenny O’Grady.

Jana Moorman and her Fairfield County family hosted Jada Loutoo, representing the Daily News Limited in Trinidad and Tobago. “Jada was only 23, but very bright and very observant,” said Ms Moorman. “What I enjoyed the most was feeling how open she was to coming into our home even though she admitted that she was terrified at first.” Jada Loutoo told her host that she appreciated all the “food cooked with love.” The journalists live at Manhattan’s Bedford Hotel and are dependent on restaurant food.

The 17 media professionals returned to New York after their weekend in the suburbs and readied for a week of trips to Washington, DC, and Atlanta, Georgia. Their training program and US visit will conclude on October 6.