Cannes, 9 October 2012– Eurovision's Why Poverty? Day has been announced as part of a global initiative to support the broader "Why Poverty?" cross-media event, with an audience reach of 500 million people.

The announcement came on day two of MIPCOM, the entertainment content market forum underway in Cannes.

Eurovision's Why Poverty? Day will take place on 29 November 2012 to support the issue of poverty, highlighted in the unprecedented global media project initiated by Steps International.

Steps with the BBC and DR (Danish Broadcasting Corporation) have commissioned award-winning film makers to make eight documentaries about poverty, and new and emerging talents to make around 30 short films. The films tell compelling and inspiring stories of people combating dire poverty. 

The documentaries will be broadcast around the world in November through a unique combination of partnerships with broadcasters, digital media platforms and community organizations to over 70 national broadcasters.

EBU Director General Ingrid Deltenre says public service media (PSM) provide an essential platform for solidarity and diversity in programming. "Eurovision’s Why Poverty? Day illustrates the strengths of PSM. It brings together audiences from all aspects of society to debate fundamental issues affecting the economic and social situations that families face today.”

Eurovision's Why Poverty? Day initiative was announced during a press attended by Anna Vasova, who is one of the project leaders.  

“Eurovision is proud to be associated with an unprecedented global media response tackling the issues around poverty," Ms Vasova said. "We have worked closely with EBU Members to ensure that PSM everywhere commit to the project.” 

In addition to coordinating a special line-up of programmes, expert debates and educational events, Eurovision will encourage its Members to participate in a day of themed programming on 29 November.  
Why Poverty? is Steps’ third world-wide collaboration and follows the award winning successes of Why Democracy? (2007) and Steps for the Future (2001).


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