(A) INTRODUCTION TO PROSPECTUS 1998 - 2002:

A STRATEGY FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

The purpose of this report is to create the basis for a strategic plan for the next five years (1998 - 2002). It has been written in response to a clear need to build a long term strategy for The Malta Press Club, to redefine its mission and to satisfy the needs of our members and journalism in Malta.

The report was originally prepared by Council Member of The Malta Press Club, Carmel Bonello and presented for discussion at Council level in February 1998. Following a Seminar in April 1998, three policy areas reports were presented to the Council by Fr Joe Borg (ethics), Joanna Ripard (education) and Sharon Spiteri (professionalisation). These reports were discussed by the Council and various suggestions by Maltese journalists were included in the prospectus. Following the required amendments to the Statute, this document was formally adopted by the Council of The Malta Press Club in June 1998. It will provide a clear direction to the development of The Malta Press Club over the next five years.

The report contains:

* a statement on the role of The Malta Press Club, suggesting in the process the definition of our mission statement;

* a description of The Malta Press Club's key policy areas, including notes on how these should be developed;

* a proposal for the next steps to be taken with regard to each of the above. Carmel Bonello Education and Information Secretary The Malta Press Club

(B) T H E M I S S I O N

1. THE ROLE OF THE MALTA PRESS CLUB

Conscious of the fundamental right of information and of preserving the freedom of the News Media (both print and broadcast / electronic), The Malta Press Club shall endeavour to upgrade the character of the Maltese News Media in accordance with the highest professional standards by providing a structure to:

1.1 enhance the ability of our members as professional journalists through the establishment of a Continuous Professional Development Scheme (CPD);

1.2 achieve professional status for journalists;

1.3 represent and defend the rights of journalists where freedom of information and the News Media are concerned;

1.4 provide opportunities for journalists to meet and exchange views and ideas;

1.5 offer a range of services of professional and personal benefit to members. The Council of the Malta Press Club shall take the necessary measures to amend the Statute in order to reflect the approved Malta Press Club's mission.

(C) POLICY AREAS

(D) CONCLUSION TO PROSPECTUS 1998 - 2002

The purpose of this report is to create the basis for a strategic plan for The Malta Press Club over the next five years (1998-2002). It has been written in response to:

i) a clear need to build a long term strategy for The Malta Press Club,

ii) to redefine its mission and

iii) to satisfy the needs of our members and journalism in Malta.

The Council can ignore the development and responsibilites of The Malta Press Club at its own risk. Now that it has survived its crucial first years, The Malta Press Club is about to enter a second phase during which it has to:

a) have a clear direction of what it wants to achieve, and

b) consolidate its profile as the national voice for the Maltese journalists.

Once this document and its subsequent amendments have been approved by the Council of The Malta Press Club, they will serve as a benchmark against which the annual activity of The Malta Press Club has to be measured. In this sense, the reports presented for approval at the Annual General Meetings of The Malta Press Club for the coming five years shall be based on this document, and on how much as been achieved of it in the year under consideration.

This prospectus has been compiled and is being presented with a strong belief that Maltese journalists will finally comprehend that for journalism to embark on the professionalisation process, there is no other alternative but to actively support The Malta Press Club in its endeavours towards this goal.

Carmel Bonello, Education and Information Secretary The Malta Press Club