On Wednesday, September 27th, the first Mediapact Online Event took place, organized by the six initiating parties of the Mediapact Respectful Collaboration (RTL, NPO, Talpa Network, EMG, NEP, and the NCP - Dutch Content Producers). During the event, presenter Humberto Tan engaged in conversations with the CEOs of the six initiating parties, the new board of Mores.online, and government commissioner Mariëtte Hamer.

CEOs of the affiliated parties stated: "A cultural and behavioral change starts with the right example from the top. As CEOs, we take full responsibility. At Mediapact, our employees are at the center, with a focus on their safety and job satisfaction. This requires not only complete transparency but also a robust structure, changes in processes and behavior, and open communication. It is essential that we hold each other accountable, discuss issues, and work together to understand what is happening in our organizations. We realize that we are never 'done,' but we cherish the invaluable value of sharing experiences. Mediapact has significantly contributed to that."

Mariëtte Hamer, government commissioner for sexual misconduct and sexual violence, said: "In the past year and a half, conversations have taken place from the talk show table to the every Dutch citizen at home. This has helped initiate an approach to (sexual) misconduct. The media has played a crucial role in this. Mediapact further shapes this initiative, initiated by the organizing parties. Often, we talk about cultural change, but it is indeed a change in behavior. The top plays a significant role in this."

Mores.online, the independent reporting point for (sexual) misconduct, stated: "We want to emphasize that the reporting point mores.online is for everyone in the media industry and is sector-independent. Our vision for the future is clear: we are here to support organizations with preventive measures. We provide the building blocks for a solid foundation and guide in resolving incidents in a constructive manner."

Within Mediapact, various initiatives have been developed to promote training, awareness, and shared responsibility. An example of this is the e-learning program that will be available to all employees in the media industry in 2024, setting a new standard for respectful collaboration. All information about the various activities and developments within Mediapact can be found on respectvolsamenwerken.nl, on our social media channels (including LinkedIn), and through the internal communication channels of our partners.

Additionally, an artwork was unveiled, created by Streetart Frankey and specially designed for Mediapact. This unique artwork can be admired at the Mediapark in Hilversum. Atta de Tolk, a master of word art, concluded the online event with a spoken word piece written on the spot.

Mediapact is an initiative from the Dutch audiovisual sector with the aim of creating a safe working environment where people treat each other with respect. Prevention, awareness, and leadership are important to bring about a (cultural) change. To achieve this, it is crucial to have conversations, share dilemmas, learn from each other, and encourage one another. The online event is one of the first concrete actions of Mediapact organized for all employees and stakeholders within the Dutch media industry.

For more information please visit www.respectvolsamenwerken.nl and follow the Mediapact Respectful Collaboration on LinkedIn or Instagram.