Project Outputs

Social Inclusion and Participation of Immigrants Through Media Literacy

Comprehensive Achievements of the Project

Over a transformative 12-month period, the project successfully completed a series of impactful activities aimed at empowering young migrants, fostering intercultural dialogue, and enhancing media literacy. These activities focused on practical training, cultural exchange, and meaningful engagement with media professionals and institutions in Vienna and Istanbul.

Activities and Outputs in Vienna

• Workshops and Training Programs:

  • In Vienna, workshops were hosted at the PLUS Institute, focusing on media literacy, digital storytelling, fact-checking, and journalism ethics. Participants, including 10 youth from Turkey and Austria, actively engaged in these sessions.

  • Training was led by experts such as Prof. Dr. Thomas Alfred Bauer (University of Vienna) and Matthias Wieser (Vienna Journal), ensuring participants gained cutting-edge insights and practical skills.

• Institutional Visits:

  
  Austrian Federal Parliament:

  • Participants received an in-depth tour of the Austrian legislative framework, exploring the role of governance in shaping public communication and policies.

  University of Vienna:

  • A guided tour highlighted the university’s historical significance and contemporary contributions to higher education and research, with a focus on media and migration studies.

  City of Vienna Communication & Media (MA53):

  • This visit offered insights into municipal strategies for public communication, emphasizing the importance of local government in shaping inclusive narratives.

  ORF Television:

  • Participants explored newsroom operations and the role of public service broadcasting in addressing migration issues. Two seminars were held, focusing on content creation and editorial decision-making.

  Kurier Newspaper:

  • This visit provided participants with a firsthand look at the operations of a major daily newspaper, emphasizing investigative journalism and its impact on public opinion.

  International Organization for Migration (IOM):

  • A seminar led by IOM representatives discussed global migration policies and trends, providing a unique vantage point on international migration issues.

  Der Standard Newspaper:

  • Participants engaged in discussions about framing migration stories in media, gaining insights into the journalistic practices of one of Austria’s leading newspapers.

  Embassy of Turkey in Vienna:

  • Ambassadors provided a diplomatic perspective on the intersection of migration, politics, and international relations, enriching the participants’ understanding of policy frameworks.

Activities and Outputs in Istanbul

• Workshops and Training Programs:

  • In Istanbul, workshops were conducted at TAV (Turkey Studies Foundation), where participants delved into digital media, alternative journalism, and crisis communication.

  • Sessions were led by prominent figures such as Dr. Mehmet Çelik (Daily Sabah) and Ahmet Yeşiltepe (NTV), providing valuable industry insights.

• Institutional Visits:

  • Visits to TRT World Headquarters offered participants a behind-the-scenes look at global news production and the representation of migration issues in media.

  • At Anadolu Agency, participants explored photojournalism and reporting techniques, with guidance from senior journalists.

  • The Directorate of Migration Management provided insights into migration policies and their intersection with media narratives.

• Cultural Activities:

  • Guided tours of Istanbul’s iconic sites, including the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar, allowed participants to experience Turkey’s rich cultural heritage.

  • Networking sessions fostered meaningful connections between Turkish and Austrian participants.

• Gala Program and Closing Panel: The Istanbul program concluded with a Gala Program and Closing Panel Discussion, where participants, experts, and stakeholders gathered to reflect on the program’s key themes.

"PLUS Debates": 10 Online Panels

A cornerstone of the project was the organization of 10 online seminars under the banner of "PLUS Debates," featuring experts from various fields:

• Diverse Participation:

  • Featured experts included George N. Georgarakis (political communication specialist), Cüneyt Özdemir (TVNET), and international journalists from TRT and ORF.

  • Young participants joined from Turkey, Austria, and beyond, engaging in discussions on media literacy and migration.

• Key Topics:

  • Themes ranged from "Migration and Media Ethics" to "Digital Storytelling for Social Inclusion," with discussions emphasizing critical media consumption and the power of storytelling.

• Global Accessibility:

  • Seminars were streamed live on YouTube and Twitter, with recordings archived on TAV’s YouTube channel for continuous learning.

Tangible Outputs and Achievements

• Participant Projects:

  • Young migrants created and presented media content that addressed migration and integration, showcasing their skills and perspectives.

  • These outputs amplified their voices in public discourse and provided practical applications for their training.

• Knowledge Dissemination:

  • A final report and policy recommendations summarizing the project’s impact were published to guide stakeholders and policymakers.

  • The curated online resources remain a key tool for educational institutions and future initiatives.

• Networking Opportunities:

  • Participants built connections with professionals at institutions like TRT and ORF, enhancing their career prospects and fostering long-term collaboration.

Long-Term Impact and Sustainability

• Dedicated Website:

  • A comprehensive project website serves as a hub for all activities, including workshop details, recordings of online panels, and participant projects. This platform ensures the project’s outputs remain accessible and impactful well beyond its conclusion.

  • Visitors can explore the site to engage with materials, watch seminar recordings, and learn from policy recommendations.

• Lasting Educational Resources:

  • The YouTube playlist of the 10 online panels and other digital resources ensures that the knowledge shared continues to benefit a global audience.

• Strengthened Networks:

  • The collaboration between partner organizations established a strong foundation for future initiatives in media literacy and migration.