Mediterranean broadcasters have launched a common web archive with the support of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to ensure that audio visual material documenting the region's cultural heritage is preserved for posterity.

The MED-MEM archive web site represents the culmination of a four year project led by the French National Audiovisual Institute (INA), along with partners including the Rome-based Permanent Conference of Mediterranean Audiovisual Operators (COPEAM), Algerian public television (EPTV), Jordanian broadcaster JRTV, RAI Italian television, and Morocco's national broadcaster SNRT. The project was financed in part by the European Union Euromed Heritage IV Programme.

EBU Members of the MedMem project include:  EPTV (entreprise publique de télévision algérienne); JRTV (télévision jordanienne); Rai (télévision italienne); SNRT (Société Nationale de Radiodiffusion et de Télévision) & 2M - Maroc; ERTU (télévision égyptienne); CyBC (télévision chypriote); ERT (télévision grecque); HRT (radio télévision croate); IBA (télévision israelienne); LJBC (Organe général de télévision et radio lybienne); la PBC (télévision palestinienne).

The resource, which can be accessed in English, French, and Arabic-French, stores an estimated 4000 programmes. RAI, which contributed 400 historical documents, oversaw the digitalization of the database, offering training to convert material as required.

The uncensored material may be freely accessed by users worldwide; however material sought for professional purposes will require the permission of the broadcaster.  Both television and radio programmes are included. 

The site also includes descriptive and analytical material of use to students and teachers. Libraries will also be offered access to the site.

EBU President Philippot praised the collaborative spirit of the programme, but identified work yet to be done:

"MED MEM offers a gift to those around the Mediterranean," he said.  "To have a long life, however, the means will need to be found to permanently maintain and enlarge the site. This is the challenge partners face today."

Discover the site: www.medmem.eu