NOTE FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
United Nations TV Forum
A memo to you from Mr. Sanbar concerns an event scheduled for 19-21 November, the proposed theme of which is "TV and the UN, a growing partnership". Italian media organizations have agreed to participate and Ambassador Fulci is actively involved. In the event that he or any of your other interlocutors raise the matter on your visit to Italy, key points to bear in mind are:
• television executives with the BBC, RAI Italian Television, Mediaset and the European Broacdcasting Union have expressed support for the Forum, and extra-budgetary funds in the amount of US$250,000 have been committed;
• it is envisaged that you will deliver the opening address, live from New York, followed by statements from high profile television personalities from around the world;
• an initial meeting of interested parties will be held on 23 April, followed by a wider working group meeting in May.
S. Iqbal Riza ajJJJLU 11 April 1997 United Nations Nations Unies INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM MEMORANDUM JNTER1EUK
T0: The Secretary-General DATE: 27 March 1997 A: REFERENCE: THROUGH: Mr _ S- iqbal Rlza S/CDE: Chef de Cabinet, EOSG
FROM: Samir Sanbar /J^-S^^ DE: Assistant Secr^3ra£y-General K 3 I 1997 ji for Public/Information SUBJECT: OBJET: United Nations TV Forum OF TH^SFCRETARY-GENERAL
Last week I visited London, where I met with Mr. John Birt, Director-General of the BBC; Rome, where I met with the government board of RAI Italian Television, and the Chairman of the private television station Mediaset; and Geneva, where I met with the Secretary-General and senior staff of the European Broadcasting Union. They all expressed support for the UN TV Forum, tentatively ^scheduled for l_9-21_Nove_mber (21 November is UN TV DayTT T'Kave 'also made "several "soundings with key television personalities in different regions, and have received positive responses. During the visit, I received commitments for extra-budgetary funds in the amount of US$ 250,000 for the event. All expenses, including travel of key participants from developing countries, will be covered by extra-budgetary funds. This is the first time such a wide range of television policy makers would assemble at^Lhe UN.. The proposed main theme is "TV and the UN, a growing partnership". Other themes would be the influence of TV on decision-making, the impact of new technology on television, digital programmes, growth of thematic TV stations, the role of TV in education and in strengthening international understanding. A main objective of the Forum will be to underline the relevance of the UN to one of the most influential groups in today's communications world. The main result we would hope to achieve is the wider coverage of our programmes and optimum use of our services. The initial scenario envisages an opening by the Secretary^ General in addition to substantive statements. Statements are expected" to be made by Dan Rather, CBS News; John Birt, BBC
/r - 2 - Director-General, RAI; Claude Robinson, Director-General, Jamaican Broadcasting; Mark Duodo, Ghana Broadcasting; Thomas Rogers, President, NBC Cable; Fidele Confalonieri, Chairman. Mediaset; Perrin Beatty, CEO, CBC Canada; and many others from private and public television from all cultural backgrounds and ^geographical regions. The discussion on 20 November would concentrate on professional issues such as the impact of advanced technology on television programmes, the trend toward digital programmes, the growth of thematic television stations, etc. The morning of 21 November, UN TV Day, could be devoted to exploring -- and agreeing on -- specific practical proposals to celebrate the Day worldwide. An initial working meeting of interested parties, especially RAI, will be assembling here on 23 April to develop the agenda further. A wider working group with adequate geographical and cultural representation is envisaged to meet in May. I will, of course, report to you on developments. Incidentally, as you are aware, Ambassador Fulci of Italy , was, and still is, an effective supporter of the Forum. He may raise it with you during your visit to Italy. f'