Radio Netherlands Training Centre (RNTC), Radio Netherlands Worldwides centre of expertise on media, education and development, is marking its 40th anniversary with the international conference, Media and Development. RNTC will join forces with domestic and international colleagues to discuss the future role of the media in developing countries and the contribution to be made by international organisations.
Those taking part in the conference will include representatives of the Dutch foreign ministry, UNDP, the BBC World Service Trust, Deutsche Welle Akademie and Internews. Partners and former students of RNTC, now occupying senior positions in media organisations in the developing world, will also be attending.
RNTCs general manager, Lem van Eupen, expects the conference to come up with new insights. Were continually aware of the great need of media organisations in developing countries to improve their capabilities through training, advice and co-operation. Naturally, whats required has changed dramatically over the past 40 years, just as has the context in which those requirements exist. How can the international community deal with this need? Thats what well be discussing with the various interested parties in the fields of media, education and development.
RNTC was set up in 1968 by institutions including Radio Netherlands Worldwide and the Dutch foreign ministry as a centre for international education. Its goal is to provide training for media professionals from the developing world and strengthen media organisations in situ abroad. Since its foundation, RNTC has provided training to many tens of thousands of media professionals from developing countries.
RNTCs method of work is tailored to demand. We work pragmatically and aim for sustainable results. Recently published client satisfaction research shows our work is given over nine out of ten by media organisations and programme makers. It goes without saying that were very happy with that result, says Ms van Eupen.