A study visit to Malta, the country that presides over the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) this year, was organized for the winners of the Annual Media Prize for Tolerance – last year’s first prize-winning female journalists in the TV/radio, print, and online media categories. The prizes were awarded by the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality for the eighth time, with the support of the OSCE Mission in Serbia on the International Day of Tolerance.
First, prize-winning journalists Sanja Ljubisavljević Bekić (RTS), Dejana Cvetković (Vreme), Teodora Ćurčić and Jovana Tomić (CINS) had the opportunity to share knowledge and experience with their Maltese colleagues. Free and independent reporting was discussed with the editors of the oldest daily newspaper in Malta (Times of Malta), while the president of the only association of journalists in Malta (Institute of Maltese Journalists) presented the challenges they face and the plans for this association. The meeting at the Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation was an opportunity to raise the topics of safety and protection of journalists, as well as the increasingly global problem of slap lawsuits.
The authors of the best media texts and articles on fighting against discrimination, promoting equality, and tolerance from the 2023 competition had the opportunity to learn about the work of the Maltese Broadcasting Authority and their public service (Public Broadcasting Services Limited). During the five-day study visit, meetings were held with representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malta, the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the National Commissioner for the Promotion of Equality.
The Commissioner for the Protection of Equality will once again announce a competition for the Annual Media Award in June. Journalists from all print and electronic, local, and national media registered in Serbia can participate. The aim is to support media promotion of values such as equality, tolerance, and suppression of prejudices and stereotypes towards minority, marginalized, and vulnerable groups.
