The Development of Media Scene in Central Europe
October 12-14, 2007
Neuwaldegg Castle Vienna, Austria

EICEE and the Civic Institute hosted the two day conference, which was arranged in a debate format. It took place at Schloss Neuwaldegg in Vienna, which focused on the development of the media in Central Europe.  Speakers included:

• Czech Senator Alena Venhodova;
• Dr. Gerhard H. Bauer, Director of the Austrian Society for European Politics;
• Piotr Kaznowski, Journalist from Polish magazine Christianitas;
• Sabine Radl Press Officer at the Austrian Chamber of Commerce in Brussels;
• Peter Zajac, Director of the Conservative Institute of M.R. Stefanik;
• Jiri Rehak from the College of Finance and Administration and;
• Matyas Zrno from Civic Institute.

Dr. Bauer defended his pro-European position when he referred to the journalists who do not understand European Union and tend to blame the EU for all their nations problems. Matyas Zrno argued the lack of transparency in the foundation and decision making structure of the EU is to blame for the EU shortcomings. He criticized the lack of quality and need for higher standard of professionalism amongst European journalists.  Zrno added, in regards to Czech journalist, these problems can be traced back to poor management, very short deadlines and lack of resources Czech journalists are forced to endure.

Peter Zajac discussed the fight for independent media in the era of Vladimír Mečiar.  Zajac added, the media in Slovakia had been resistant due to the complete breakdown of the opposition parties.

Piotr Kaznowski lectured on the situation in Poland, where the influential daily Gazeta Wyborcza which has indirectly helped to form a liberal political party with great influence. He gave a sobering commentary on the activities of Radio Maryja whose work has been frequently in the center of media attention.

The conference was attended by over forty participants from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Austria. The conference could not have been such a success without the sponsorship from the Austrian Society for European Politics, Europa Club Brno for helping with the organization and Neuwaldegg Institute for providing its beautiful castle for the conference.