Dialogue between cultures [Archives:2003/668/Culture]
Ismail Al-Ghabiri
DW is one of far-reaching institutions for international media and cultural work. Intercultural dialogue includes promoting the German language. It means far more than conveying an authentic picture of German reality.
Yemen Times reporter Ismael Al-Ghabri met with Dr. Reinhold Meyer who is in charge for Middle East and Africa in DW in Germany and filed this interview.
Q: Why does Germany need Deutsche Welle and what's the use for people all over the world?
A: Whether in Washington or Vladivostok, Dar es Salaam or Delhi ٌ outside our borders whoever wants information in their mother tongue about Germany or German perspectives about international events finds what they are looking for: either on the latest satellite DW- TV, one of DW- Radio's 30 services or on the internet at DW ٌ WORLD. DE. In addition we offer German TV ٌ the best of public TV programs in Germany. In the German media landscape, only DW is able to distribute original, up ٌ to ٌ date, authentic and, credible reporting all over the world.
Q: What target groups you are addressing?
A: The opinion leaders in our regions are a priority for us; those who form the opinions and political objectives in their society or those who will grow to do so. In addition we want to inform those who speak German or learn to speak it, as well as Germans who spend some weeks or more away from home. Finally, for Germans who live abroad, Deutsche Welle always has been a bridge to their home country. Around the world roughly 28 million listeners switch on DW ٌ radio on a regularly basis and over 22 million viewers regularly watch DW -TV. I can proudly state that no other instrument of international media and culture from Germany reached so many people.
Q: What is the benefit for German taxpayers?
A: The benefits for the taxpaying citizen ٌ and hence for our community ٌ can be reduced to one simple denominator: Deutsche Welle promotes Germany's international standing. It brings Germany's political, economic and cultural interests to the targeted regions and observes the process of European unification. Culture often is the basis. Global perception of Germany is ambivalent. Therefore we must continue to eliminate image problems in foreign relations. International broadcasting is a decisive means of spreading information from Germany and for conveying an image of Germany. Deutsche Welle brings people all over the world closer to our country.
The 'dialogue between cultures' is DW's very own theme. How do you implement it? The global presence of DW- WORLD.DE creates a cultural bridge between Germany and peoples all over the world who are interested in our country and its people, its culture and its real life. This is not a one-way street but ٌ especially with the possibilities of the Internet ٌ a real dialogue. Hence, we are mediators in the dialogue between cultures and we represent understanding. International understanding is the unspoken program mission of Deutsche Welle.
Q: DW is turning 50. Is it feeling its age or coming to life?
A: Deutsche Welle is a vigorous media company that stands for innovation and flexibility in its programming technology and administration. Our quality programs ٌ in all of our media ٌ enjoy high esteem around the world. To ensure this, our maxims remain independence and credibility. We hold an excellent position with the international competition.
DW is ٌ at the same time ٌ moving its headquarters from Cologne to Bonn. Are you happy to come to the former capital? The move to Bonn is a chance for Deutsche Welle. Our new address is Europe's most modern broadcasting center our multinational team of employees from more than 60 countries will soon feel 'at home' in Bonn.
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[archive-e:668-v:13-y:2003-d:2003-09-15-p:culture]
