RFE Journalist Wins Award for “Outstanding Contributions” to the Balkans

(PRAGUE, Czech Republic) An RFE journalist once blacklisted and branded a “traitor” by former Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic’s regime has won a prestigious European media award. Omer Karabeg, the founder and producer of an RFE show called The Bridge, is the recipient of this year’s Dr. Erhard Busek-SEEMO Award for Better Understanding in South East Europe.

The 11-member jury, comprised of senior editors, journalists and media executives from SEEMO (South and East Europe Media Organization), honored Karabeg for his “continuous and outstanding contributions to better communication, exchange, and cooperation in the Balkans.”

Since 1994, The Bridge has been bringing people together and tackling difficult and controversial issues in the region. Last month, it brought the mayors of Sarajevo and Belgrade together for the first time live on the air. [SEE VIDEO]

“Omer has dedicated his life to fostering dialogue and promoting peace in the Balkans,” says RFE President Jeffrey Gedmin. “He richly deserves this award and I congratulate him on this honor.”

Karabeg was born in 1940 in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Over the years, he has received many journalism accolades, including an award from the Serbian Union of Journalists for his coverage of the overthrow of Communist rule in Romania and the top prize for best TV newscast at the Yugoslavian Radio and Television Festival.

About RFE’s Balkan Service

RFE’s Balkan Service broadcasts in five languages to six countries – Bosnia, Serbia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Croatia. It has five bureaus, 188 affiliate stations, and broadcasts via radio, television, satellite radio, and the Internet (www.slobodnaevropa.org, www.evropaelire.org, www.makdenes.org).