<div dir="ltr">++ PRESS RELEASE ++<br><div><br><b>Monday 30th June 2014</b><br><br><b>Siren FM and the Lincoln School of Journalism ‘Bridges’ divide in Moldova </b><br><br>The first joint radio programme ever produced by journalists from East and West of the Nistru/Dniester River went on air in the Eastern European country yesterday evening, facilitated by experts from Lincoln’s first community radio station, Siren FM and the School of Journalism at the University of Lincoln.<br>
<br>Andrew David, manager of Siren FM, and Deborah Wilson David from the Lincoln School of Journalism were consultants for the Council of Europe, working with national broadcasters towards this historic broadcast.<br><br>
Over this last year, Andrew and Deborah were invited to lead training sessions, alongside a consultant formerly from Radio France Internationale, teaching national radio broadcasters from the Romanian language ‘Radio Moldova’ and Russian language ‘Radio 1’ (Tiraspol). Working through translators Andrew and Deborah taught masterclasses, and spent time in both national broadcast institutions, advising on journalism and radio programming style, structure and content.<br>
<br>The Eastern European country had been working towards greater integration following a military conflict which ended in 1992. Deborah’s first visit, last summer, was the first where the broadcasters from the East and West had agreed to work together. She said: “I found that quite daunting, I’m a journalist, broadcaster and educator – not a diplomat. But it was the most inspiring time, working with such talented and committed people who were so open to new ideas and genuinely pleased to put political differences aside and work together towards a common aim.”<br>
<br>Andrew David said: “Being approached in a situation such as this, so much more than simply broadcast training, meant that the stakes were high – and we were worried that the recent tensions in Ukraine would bring to an end all the progress we had made. We are thrilled that the project has finally taken off and all credit to the Council of Europe for making this happen.” <br>
<br>Deborah added: “If all goes to plan we hope the Council of Europe will bring some of these journalists over to Lincoln later this summer so we can take their training further in conjunction with Siren FM.”<br><br>This is the first joint project of the radio journalists from “Radio Moldova” and “Radio 1” since 1990, made possible by the assistance provided by the Council of Europe “Confidence Building Measures across the River Nistru/Dniester” Programme, with financial support from the Austrian Development Cooperation. The joint radio programme, entitled “Bridges”, will be aired simultaneously on both stations on the last Sunday of every month at 7.05 pm (Moldovan time) on FM and online. The first programme was about tourism sites on both banks of the Nistru/Dniester River. <br>
<br>Andrew David | Managing Editor, Siren FM<br>College of Arts<br>University of Lincoln. Brayford Pool, Lincoln, Lincolnshire. LN6 7TS<br>tel: +44 (0)1522 886001 | mobile: +44(0)7525 873622<br><br><div>Community Media Association<br>
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