[EN] Video Transcript

From journalism, there has been an increased effort to the articulate, cautious and to promote the fair and accurate reporting. Yet little is known about how societies across the Mediterranean perceive each other and on how medium cultural references influence multiple perceptions.

The survey on intercultural trends in the Euro-Med region, promoted by the Anna Lindh Foundation reveals the media as a strong influence in shaping respondents' opinions about the other in certain countries. On the contrary, in European countries, more than 50% of respondents do not change their view about some countries through media. 

In this framework, the survey shows that both in European and in South Euro Mediterranean countries the most trusted media source is TV. However, in the same countries, social media and online media ranks second after  TV. In contrast to European countries where print media still have certain prestige. 

The more liberal political environment in Europe might splay trust in traditional outlets contrary to the narrowing of freedom of speech in South Mediterranean countries and control from rather authoritarian governments.

The survey on intercultural trends in the Euro-Med region reveals that public opinions are demanding more reporting on culture-proven high curiosity and interest in their respective neighbors' lifestyles. Globalization has brought to southern countries plenty of cultural products through cinema, TV, music, and arts generated in and educated in western countries. But there is an obvious imbalance when it turns to Southern production in Europe. Even if the recent success of Turkish TV in Europe may represent a positive precedent. 

There is an evident eagerness for multicultural events coupled with a conviction in the role of education and civil society as promoters of mutual understanding.

The challenge here is to promote multicultural events appealing to large audiences, which go beyond cultural boundaries, getting out of the comfort zones, and demystifying the cultural dialogue particularly among European and South Euro Mediterranean media elites.

Collaboration among artists is essential, but the prerequisite should be taken into account: language learning and making it easier for people in some countries to travel. People to People interaction is key to tear down walls and build bridges, but they are extremely limited in some countries. Mobility here is key for intercultural dialogue across the Mediterranean.