Paris, Germany, and Ramallah.

7 April 2011: The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) and the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) have signed a cooperation agreement for publishing a specialized media affairs journal in the occupied Palestinian territories. The agreement was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of WAN-IFRA Mr. Christoph Riess, and the Chairman of the MADA Center Dr. Ghazi Hanania.

The General Director of MADA, Mousa Rimawi, welcomed the joint collaboration with WAN-IFRA to publish the first specialized Palestinian magazine that will shed light on all issues related to the Palestinian media and freedom of expression. Rimawi hopes that this journal will contribute to the development of the Palestinian media, promote freedom of opinion and expression, and enhance specialized media in Palestine. Rimawi added: “this magazine will be a good opportunity for media workers to talk about their cases and the various challenges faced by the Palestinian media, which has not had the chance to evolve naturally as a result of many factors".

“WAN-IFRA is delighted to be supporting the ongoing work of the MADA Center," said WAN-IFRA Deputy CEO, Larry Kilman. “We are confident the journal will make a positive contribution to the development of the Palestinian media and lead to greater understanding of the essential issues facing the independent press."

MADA management thanked the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers for its support for the journal and the work of the MADA Center.

It is worth mentioning that the first issue of the journal will be issued at the beginning of June 2011 and will be distributed in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. It will contain many diverse topics in addition to the activities of the MADA Center.

-------------------------

Contact:

Riham Abu Aita
Public Relation Officer
Ramallah
riham@madacenter.org
www.madacenter.org
00970 2 2976519