Introduction

(Excerpts of a research study entitled "The Image of Greece in the International Press during the Hellenic Presidency of the European Union, January - June 2003", conducted by the Ministry of Press and Mass Media in collaboration with Professor Nikos Demertzis and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with the contribution of consultants and Press Attaches of the Ministry headquarters as well as Press and Communication Offices Abroad.)

The goal of the present research is the quantitative and qualitative record and the assessment of the overall image of Greece in the international press from January to June 2003, during which time the nation held the European Union (EU) Presidency.  The term “overall image” includes both the outlook of the international press with respect to the performance of the Greek Presidency and the general evaluation of the country with respect to the multitude of social, cultural, athletic, diplomatic and political subjects.

Interestingly, during its tenure at the helm of the EU, Greece received extensive coverage in the international press, despite the fact that, as a rule, the so called “small” countries usually go unnoticed in the foreign press.

Though it did not achieve especially high visibility, Greece surpassed the “barrier” of “small” countries.   This is certainly attributed to the Greek Presidency, which received positive commentary from the foreign press under examination.  Furthermore, it is also attributed to the forthcoming hosting of the Olympic Games in Athens 2004, which accounts for numerous articles, albeit not always positive.  It is also anticipated that as we approach the commencement of the Games, the country’s visibility will be considerable and notable by comparison with the past.

The results of the present research study are exposed on two levels, each corresponding to the two mutually complementing methodological approaches that were used: quantitative (mathematical and statistical data, tables, graphs, etc.) and qualitative (thematic content analysis, data assessment and evaluation).

Read more about the research study at http://www.mediainfo2004.gr/cgibin/hweb?-A=418,viewspecials.html&-V=specials&w=

Source: Press Office of the Embassy of Greece

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