The Civilmedia will be a landmark at the end of the “European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008”. In bringing together international and national alternative media practitioners, researchers, policy makers, activists, and community development workers, we will review the importance of community media and Web 2.0 for intercultural dialogue in Europe.

What meaning, impact and challenges do arise by participatory media production in respect to intercultural dialogue? Which models for future action can we develop? These will be the main issues addressed during the Civilmedia 08. Additionally, best practice projects as e.g. www.radiodialoge.at will be presented and discussed.

Radio and beyond

Non-commercial community radios are among the first players in electronic media participation. They have opened a new channel of communication for marginalized people and groups. Migrants have been important participants from the beginning.

Citizen Journalism and user generated content at community radio stations Europe-wide and, in recent years, participatory Web 2.0 tools – weblogs, wikis, podcasting, online video – are important opportunities to make excluded voices heard.