“Meeting to get to know each other or to strengthen existing ties while addressing various themes related to the profession of journalism.” Dominique Antoni is the president of the Mediterranean Press Club 06. He defines the main goal of the Menton Médias Méditerranée (MMM), on January 16 and 17, 2009, at the Palais de l’Europe in Menton. About forty journalists from eighteen of the twenty-three Mediterranean countries will debate on four topics. In a context of conflict in the Middle East, men and women from Algeria, Spain, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, or… Palestine (to be confirmed) will focus on the role of women in the profession, information in the Mediterranean, new technologies, and journalist training. The differences in culture, religion, and mentality promise some fiery discussions. “Information is not handled in the same way in each country,” emphasizes Dominique Antoni.
Christian Chesnot, Former Hostage in Iraq
Christian Chesnot will be the main witness of this conference. He is a journalist at France Inter. Notably, he was held hostage in Iraq for 124 days, from August 21 to December 21, 2004. Who better than him to participate in the MMM? A seasoned expert on the Mediterranean and the Middle East, “he will lead the discussions and also serve as the link between foreign journalists and the audience,” states Philippe Tallois, vice president of the Press Club. On Saturday, January 17, at 3:30 PM, the debate on the battle for information will be open to the public. The editorial team at Nice Premium strongly advises everyone interested in learning more about the profession of journalism to attend this event.
Exchange, the Key Word
Whether with visitors or during thematic workshops on Friday, exchange is the key word of this weekend. “We want to know the opinions of journalists from around the Mediterranean basin,” admits Anne Le Hars, a member of the Board of Directors of the Press Club and a major player in the organization of this meeting. “We also aim to reach out to the public, whose questions about the journalism profession and current events sometimes remain unanswered.”
Following the public debate, a gala dinner is organized. Two prizes will be awarded. The first rewards the photo that provides a unique perspective of the Mediterranean. The second will be given to a journalist affirming their commitment “to this little lake,” smiles Dominique Antoni.
