ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses some major political and social implications of the Bulgarian Diaspora viewed through the prism of the Bulgarian-language media. It evaluates the role of the information and communication technologies in the process of social inclusion within the local media consumer community, as well as in the dynamics of national integration. The research for this chapter arises out of discussions at the World Meetings of Bulgarian-Language Media initiated by the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA). The chapter refers to the first six of these meetings that have been held respectively in Sofia (Bulgaria), Chicago (U.S.), the Vatican, Madrid (Spain), Varna and Bourgas (Bulgaria) and Vienna (Austria); their aim is largely to promote Bulgaria around the world. The main problems discussed at these meetings correspond to some of the most pressing issues for the Bulgarian public at home and abroad. Numerous professional discussions and cultural programs, including concerts and exhibitions, have been carried out in parallel during these meetings. These events have promoted the significance of the introduction of the Cyrillic alphabet to the European community; presented the millennia-old Bulgarian history and culture; highlighted the “You Are Not Alone” international media campaign in support of liberating imprisoned Bulgarian medics in Libya and more. Additionally, a major goal of these meetings was to present the work of the Bulgarian-language journalists (in press, radio, TV and online media) on the problems of the Diaspora and to establish collaboration between them and their colleagues from Bulgaria.
