At RTDNA21, RIAS meets candidates for future exchange programs
The RIAS Berlin Commission took part in the RTDNA21 conference in Denver recently — a forum to meet potential candidates for future programs and meet RIAS Berlin Commission alumni members.
David Wagner, a 2019 alumni and 2020 RIAS media prize winner, was at the RIAS Berlin Commission booth at the RTDNA21 conference meeting candidates and alumni at the annual convention held by the U.S. partner organization of RIAS Berlin Commission. The RTDNA conference was much smaller than in years past, due to several factors such as this was the first year RTDNA did not have another organization helping put on the conference and also because it was the first one held after the 2020 Covid-19 shutdown.
“It was great talking to other journalists about the fantastic opportunity that RIAS offers,” said Wagner. “I know my experience in 2019 was really eye opening and I’m hope to get more people interested in the program.”
Around 200 people attended with Covid-10 safety protocols in place as all attendees had to show proof of vaccination and wear a mask while in sessions or in exhibition areas. Wagner had the RIAS Berlin Commission booth setup up in ballroom Denver 5.
He displayed the documentary that he and his colleague and fellow RIAS alum Monica Quintero put together on their program. He also created a QR code for visitors to the booth to get more info from the RIAS Berlin website.
Wagner, who was a member of the RTDNA board for 4 years, said he also was able to speak with current board members about the RIAS relationship with RTDNA and said everyone he spoke with felt that the partnership was strong and would continue.
“For almost 30 years RTDNA has partnered with RIAS to place German journalists in American newsrooms, and send American journalists to explore and cover stories in Germany,” said Vince Duffy, a RIAS alumni and News Director at Michigan Public Radio in Ann Arbor — and a RTDNA trustee. “It’s a great partnership that benefits both organizations and journalists at all levels. I was part of a group of American journalists that travelled to Berlin for the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, and it was an educational and emotional experience. I can’t say enough good things about RIAS and look forward to the possibility of participating again in the future.
