New Russia- U.S. journalist exchange program to help break stereotypes

NEW YORK, October 6 (Itar-Tass) -- A new, two-year exchange program
for young Russian and American journalists will help break stereotypes
that have developed over years, according to a press release of the Knight
Foundation.
The two countries signed the relevant agreement on Tuesday, October 4,
at an international media conference hosted by Itar-Tass.
The programme will offer 48 young journalists from Russia and the U.S.
the chance to work in newsrooms and build mutual understanding, thanks to
a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation announced in
Moscow.
"This exchange will help establish professional relationships between
the young journalists from two nations, both important in the world, yet
once dire enemies," said Eric Newton, senior adviser to the president of
Knight Foundation, which is funding the program through a 250,000 U.S.
dollar grant to the International Centre for Journalists.
The Young Media Professionals Exchange Program is an outgrowth of the
U.S.-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission's working group on media.
"Knight Foundation brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge in the
best of American media practices and values to the Young Media
Professionals Exchange Program," said Dawn L. McCall, Coordinator, U.S.
Department of State's Bureau of International Information Programs. "The
exchange provides opportunities for U.S. and Russian journalists to share
experiences and strengthen their journalistic practices, which benefits
both our countries."
At the beginning of the exchange, Russian journalists will spend
several days meeting officials and media leaders in Washington, while
their U.S. counterparts do the same in Moscow. They will then work at
media organisations for as long as one month.
The International Centre for Journalists will coordinate the selection
of suitable U.S. news organisations for the Russian journalists, and the
Moscow Union of Journalists will find hosts for the Americans. The Moscow
Union of Journalists will plan the program and cover the costs for
participants in Russia.
The first 24 participants will be selected in February 2012. The first
exchange will take place in April 2012. Applicants must be under 30 years
of age, with at least three years of experience. Strong preference will be
given to candidates who speak English and Russian.
Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality
journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the
arts.