This is strictly for journalists, would-be journalists and those with interest in or who deals with the media.

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The Centre for Independent Journalismc/o 2-4 Jalan Bangsar Utama 9Bangsar Utama59100 Kuala Lumpur Tel: 012 326 0424Fax: 03-2094 4926 Dear Sir/ Madam Training workshop: Media Freedom and the PublicInterest The Southeast Asian Press Alliance KL, a committeecomprising journalists' groupings and NGOs, will beholding a two-day training workshop at Shah's VillageHotel on the 11 and 12 September. (9.30 am - 5.30 pm.) This is for NGOs and community groups to betterunderstand the Malaysian media environment and toidentify ways to better utilize the public space fortheir advocacy work. Media freedom, freedom of expression and freedom ofinformation are vital to a functioning democracy. Yet,these issues are still not well known among lobby andgrassroots groups in Malaysia.The course content of this workshop is designed tohelp participants recognize the realities of mediaoperations today, and to understand that press freedomis the first step to freeing up the space for freeexpression.As one of many groups involved in a range of humanrights and social issues, your organization would bewell placed to eventually make use of the coursecontent in outreach work.We therefore invite you to send a representative,ideally someone who is highly motivated and who wouldbe able to train other members of your group andaudience after the workshop.This training is fully funded, covering meals andtraining materials. Transport to and from the trainingis not covered. If you require accommodation, pleaseinform us in advance as limited places are available.We look forward to seeing you there.Kind regards,Sonia RandhawaSEAPA KL co-ordinator