Eastwards On the Air – development of regional and cultural cooperation
Funded by Euregio Karelia Neighbourhood Programme 2001-2006

Objective of the project

The project aimed at developing communication and the radio network at the programme area, to deepen the correspondent network and to increase cross-border news broadcasting in both directions. The purpose was to regenerate the joint cultural traditions. By disseminating information the project also aimed at reducing the impact of social and health issues in Karelia.

Main activities

• Developing communication and the radio network at the programme area • Deepen the correspondent network and to increase cross-border news broadcasting in both directions • Producing radio programmes including interviews about neighbouring cooperation, Karelian culture and life. • Monitoring the border-crossing traffic of Vartius border crossing point • Monitoring the drug use and health of the area weekly with the Central Hospital of Kostomuksha, and offering treatment advice and help options for drug and alcohol users • Carrying out specialist exchange with Petrozavodsk Radio and the University of Petrozavodsk.

Achievements

The functionality of the correspondent/news alert network was improved, as well as information cooperation with the border control authorities. News broadcasting about Karelia and neighbouring cooperation reached daily frequency during the project, matching the quantitative requirements of the project plan (3-5 news breaks every weekday). Altogether, there were ca 2000 pieces of news produced and published during the project. During the project, approximately 900 radio programmes were made, including interviews about neighbouring cooperation, Karelian culture and life. Additionally, two weekly project presentations were made, following the aims, progress and activities of cooperation projects in the area. The project also monitored the border-crossing traffic of Vartius border crossing point and provided updates about possible congestion. The drug use and health of Kostomuksha and Karelia were monitored weekly with the Central Hospital of Kostomuksha, including several news reviews. Also, treatment and help options for drug and alcohol users were communicated to the public. A total of 150 interviews were conducted in Karelia, while editing and other work were done in the Radio Kajaus studio in Finland. The project also carried out specialist exchange with Petrozavodsk Radio and the University of Petrozavodsk. The general attitude to a foreign culture became more positive when current information/news regarding the situation and events in Karelia were reported on the Finnish radio. However, improving the status of the Finnish language in the Republic of Karelia requires cooperation by both the educational institutions and media in the Republic of Karelia. During 2005, negotiations between the Karjalan Sanomat -newspaper, the Karelia Teachers' Centre for Extension Studies, University of Petrozavodsk and Kostomuksha and Petrozavodsk Radio took place. No tangible achievements were obtained as a result of the negotiations. However, interest in the Finnish language in the Republic of Karelia was increased. The project established favourable foundations for the development of radio communication cooperation between the Republic of Karelia and Finland. The project facilitated the expansion of information about current events in the Republic of Karelia within the coverage area of Radio Kajaus, which also extended its domain to cover Koillismaa region during the project. A reporter based in Kostomuksha enjoyed favourable access to the observation of current events in the Republic of Karelia as a whole.