Editorial

Integration on every channel

What can the media do – what must they do? The media are observers, reporters and actors all at once. In the process of integration, the media play both a decisive and responsible role. A one-sided report can easily contribute to a general sense of insecurity and does not serve the purpose of enlightenment. Anyone who now fails to look very closely and is not prepared to re-examine his prejudices and to differentiate, can be a source of lasting damage for peaceful coexistence.

In its competitions, the CIVIS Media Prize seeks radio and television programmes which handle the theme of integration and cultural diversity, and which broach the issue of handling of different values, without denying the existence of conflicts.

What we are looking for are programmes in which

stereotypes and generalised assertions are countered through differentiated statements,
offensive terms which are characterised by, or reinforce, prejudices, are not used,
people with different-coloured skins or appearance are taken for granted and have a significant impact on the programme (presenters and actors shall reflect the diverse nature of the population),
the realities of the immigrants or a minority, their normal daily life, with all their problems and positive aspects are presented without presenting them as a social problem (Minorities shall not only be perceived as victims, but shall also be respected for their efforts),
a group merely accepted in society in the fictional area is presented from a positive point of view, in order to counter their social discrimination (creation of heroes),
humour is not at the expense of other groups, but rather results from the own reference group,
entertainment programmes are shown (sport, feature films, series, satires), which pick up the theme and present it positively - without denying conflicts,
topical reports which contribute to the understanding of developments and conflicts, also reproducing the personal opinions of the persons involved. Reports in which there is not talk about others, but rather talk with them (people concerned shall be given their say).

Not only in the news - also in the area of entertainment - the media conveys an idea of the joint reality in which the viewers exist. This idea creates world. Entertaining forms of communication can have a substantial social effect and have a lasting influence on the behaviour of people. The theme of integration and cultural diversity should, therefore, not be restricted to individual genres, but rather be found in all formats, whether in news programmes or in films. Integration should be part of the main programme on all channels.

CIVIS aims to sensitise the electronic media in Germany and Europe for the themes of integration and cultural diversity and to promote the innovative and professional handling of developments in the European immigration society.

Michael Radix
CIVIS media foundation