Birzeit University's Media Institute formally inaugurated

Under the auspices of Mr. Yasser Abed Rabbo, Minister of Culture and Information in the Palestinian Authority, Dr. Hanna Nasir, President of Birzeit University, formally inaugurated the Media Institute on campus.

The Media Institute, established in 1996 as a Radio Training Program, was completed last September with the addition of a fully equipped TV Training Unit, turning the Institute into a full-fledged training center with five units in the fields of Radio, Print Journalism, TV, Academic Programs and Media Resources.

In his opening speech, Dr. Nasir spoke about the transformation of the Institute from a small department in the Faculty of Arts into an independent training institute. The academic philosophy of the University, Dr. Nasir said, relies on professionalism, which gives students global horizons that allow them use their skills wherever they are, inside Palestine or abroad. In addition to professionalism, the University concentrates on freedom of speech, responsibility and democracy, all of which are important elements that enable journalists to address sensitive issues with integrity and candidness.

Dr. Nasir thanked all those who took part in developing the Media Institute, namely SIDA and Fojo of Sweden, the Heinrich Böll Foundation and Bertelsmann Foundation of Germany, United States Information Services (USIS), the Government of Finland and the Finnish Radio. He expressed regret that representatives of the various donor agencies could not attend due to the prevailing situation, but hoped that they would be able to visit the Institute soon. Special thanks also went to the Palestinian journalists, the Voice of Palestine, and the local newspapers, which take interns from BZU to gain practical, hands-on experience. Dr. Nasir commended Dr. Nabil Khatib, Director of the Institute, and all his staff for their efficient and well-organized work.

Mr. Abed Rabbo said that the establishment of the Media Institute came out of desire and ambition, and being the first of its caliber in Palestine, it will fill a big void in the Palestinian media community, and fulfill a lot of their needs. He said that there is a need for openness and enlightenment within the Palestinian community and a need to develop new generations in the media community with professional basis. "I would like to invite all the media organizations in Palestine to take advantage and make use of all the facilities and activities that take place at the Media Institute," Mr. Abed Rabbo said.

Dr. Khatib, displayed the Institute's various units and demonstrated through radio and television clips the units' activities. Mr. Abed Rabbo and Dr. Nasir formally inaugurated the Institute by cutting the ribbon, after which the guests were taken on a tour of the Institute, and both Mr. Abed Rabbo and Dr. Nasir were interviewed on a live broadcast on the BZU radio.

A reception was followed by workshops throughout the day discussing various subjects concerning media in Palestine, including training requirements, policies; legal challenges; and the Israeli and international media and the Intifada.

Celebrations, originally scheduled for November 2000, were delayed due to the situation in the country, and the outbreak of the Intifada.