A Moldovan studio sign translates roughly as 'the topical question'.

The initiative aims to help journalists provide more accurate information on the Trans-Dniester conflict and to facilitate dialogue.

Bridging the Nistru

It was lauched at a conference - 'Bridging the Nistru – Media Synergies in Support of Conflict Resolution in Moldova' - in Chisinau, Moldova's capital city, on 4 October 2007.

The conference was organised with support from the Trust's local partner, the Independent Centre for Journalism.

Around 60 journalists took part in the conference. Eleven were from Trans-Dniesteria.

Trust trainer, Nick Nugent, gave an engaging presentation about the Media’s role in social change, with specific reference to reporting on conflict.

Participants later discussed the potential obstacles that could affect the project, including problems such as mentality, lack of neutrality and the buy-in of media bosses.

Identifying training needs

In the week following the conference, Kevin Burden, the Trust’s head of training, travelled to Moldova to identify the training needs of individuals and organisations participating in the programme.

Several themes emerged, including the Moldovan media's level of independence today; the pressures that journalists face and the resistance to change.

Working with local media

After showing the Trust's project team around his massive but outdated facilities, the president of Tele Radio Moldova declared his strong support for the project, including the planned debate programmes.

There was a similar reception in Comrat, at the television station of the autonomous Gagauz republic.

A dialogue with the broadcaster of the Trans-Dniester separatist authorities could not be established at this time.

However several journalists in Tiraspol were very keen on joining the project. Their commitment and desire to learn new skills, despite the potential challenges, were deeply impressive.

Moving forward

The Trust is assessing all the information that has been gathered and will put together proposals for the training programme, which should begin in 2008.

The project is supported by the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office, through the Global Conflict Prevention Pool.