On 1 October 2024 the EQUIROM project brought together representatives from TVR broadcaster, the National Council for Combating Discrimination, the National Audiovisual Council, the Department for Interethnic Relations, Roma NGOs such as RomaJust and StareaRomilor, as well as Roma activists and officers from the National Roma Contact Point to discuss the portrayal of Roma in Romanian media.

The meeting focused on the findings of recent research * on how Roma are portrayed in the media, highlighting persistent biases and challenges in representation. Participants discussed legal frameworks governing media content, addressing how information and images are presented, especially regarding ethnic minorities.

An important highlight of the seminar was the presentation of the adapted HELP** course on Discrimination against Roma for journalists and media representatives. This course, tailored to cover Roma issues, aims to raise awareness among media professionals about ethical reporting and combating discrimination. The course adaptation is part of the broader effort to ensure journalists are better equipped to tackle the complexities of antigypsyism, providing practical tools to support fair and accurate representation of Roma in the media.

The event also featured a presentation of the EQUIROM campaign in Romania, with a TV spot entitled rOM la Reflector (ang. Roma in the spotlight) aimed at countering antigypsyism. The official campaign launch was set for 16 October 2024, at the European Commission Representation in Romania

Key recommendations emerged from the seminar, including the need to moderate negative comments on media platforms and strengthen the training of journalists on ethical reporting. Participants emphasised the importance of promoting positive stories, celebrating Roma contribution to the cultural heritage. The Romanian National Audiovisual Council, CNA, expressed a strong commitment to advancing ethical standards in media reporting through updated codes of ethics and conduct.

This seminar underscored the need for continuous collaboration between media professionals and Roma representatives to foster fair, balanced reporting and promote a more inclusive media landscape in Romania.

*The Romanian part of the study on the representation of Roma in the Romanian broadcasting media is available at this link

**The HELP Module on "Discrimination against Roma" tailored to journalists and media representatives is available in Romanian upon request. If you wish to follow the course, please request the connection links by contacting [email protected]