UNICEF’s Voices of Youth (http://www.unicef.org/voy/) and the International Children’s Day of Broadcasting launched today a new online multimedia newsletter which showcases media projects by, with and for children called Media Magic Digest http://www.unicef.org/voy/explore/media/explore_3448.html.

Media Magic Digest is a quarterly e-newsletter for people interested in how young people create media around the world and aims to promote dialogue between broadcasters and young media enthusiasts.

The inaugural issue shares stories of original youth-driven programmers produced in different media, including photography, video, radio and print.

“UNICEF has long recognized that the media can be a potent force for change. Media Magic Digest is an attempt to harness the media’s influence for the good of children everywhere. The e-newsletter highlights media efforts that involve, inform, and empower young people as well as broadcaster,” said Stephen Cassidy, Chief of the Internet, Broadcast and Image Section. “We want adults and children around the globe to share ideas and be inspired by the work of others to create their own imaginative approaches to all media disciplines.”

All children have the right to freedom of expression, as affirmed in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The projects featured in the Media Digest are compelling examples of what adults and children can do together to create meaningful, positive media experiences for children.

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About Voices of Youth (VOY)
Since 1995, VOY has focused on exploring the educational and community building potential of the internet, and facilitating the active and substantive participation of young people on child rights and development related issues. Through web boards, interactive quizzes, youth leadership profiles, live chat and more, Voices of Youth provides thousands of young people for over 180 countries with an opportunity to self-inform, engage in lively debate and partner – with their peers and decision makers – to create a world fit for children.

About the International Children’s Day of Broadcasting (ICDB)
ICDB, celebrated on the second Sunday of every December, is a day when broadcasters around the world "Tune in to Kids". They air quality programming for and about children. But most of all, they allow children to be part of the programming process, to talk about their hopes and dreams and share information with their peers. The Day is a joint initiative of UNICEF and the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

About UNICEF
For 60 years UNICEF has been the world’s leader for children, working on the ground in 156 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

For Further information, please contact: Kate Donovan, UNICEF Media Section: +1 212 326 7452; kdonovan@unicef.org