Workshop on Minority Language Media and Kin-State Relations: A Collaborative Success

The ECMI, in partnership with the Baltic Centre for Media Excellence, recently hosted a two-day workshop in Riga focused on the topic of minority-language media in kin-state minority situations. The event brought together 25 participants, including leading academics, media practitioners, and policymakers from across the Baltic region and beyond, fostering rich discussions from diverse perspectives.

The workshop explored key themes, such as the role of media in preserving minority languages, the balance between host and kin-state media provisions, and the role of journalism in navigating these complex dynamics. Sessions looked into challenges faced by minority-language media, including access to kin-state media, the effects of geo-blocking, and concerns over misinformation.

With contributions from experts in the field, the workshop offered valuable insights that will contribute to future initiatives, particularly the COST Action PLURILINGMEDIA (CA23105), which will continue research on these topics from 2024 to 2028.

A highlight of the programme was the public symposium, “Minority-language media and kin-states: contemporary challenges and prospects”, which engaged local audiences and international voices in a broader dialogue on the future of minority-language media. Simultaneous translation ensured that both English and Latvian-speaking participants could contribute meaningfully to the discussion.

Stay tuned for more outcomes from this exciting event as we continue to address the role of media in minority identity, language preservation, and the evolving media landscape.