The Regional Director for Communities stated in Artesia, California, that the Meeting of Media Bodies of the Diaspora promoted by the Regional Government in April represents the "recognition of these important institutions," but also the "commitment to bring closer both sides of the Atlantic."
 
"In April, about 40 media bodies of Portuguese origin from the USA, Canada, Brazil and Bermuda, as well as some Portuguese media bodies, will have the opportunity to share their community experiences on the islands of Faial, Pico and São Jorge, thus   reinforcing the exchange between them and implementing a more effective coordination with the Region," said Paulo Teves. The government official spoke Saturday during the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of Artesia Radio Television.
 
For Paulo Teves, this "meeting will also provide an in-depth knowledge of the current reality of the Azorean islands so that they may contribute to the dissemination of the homeland of thousands of Azoreans around the world in their communities among different audiences.
 
"The media indubitably plays a crucial role in the promotion of the Portuguese language, in the dissemination the image of the Region and its investment potential as well as in the recognition of the importance of Diaspora communities," said the government official.
 
The Regional Director for Communities also stressed that "the unifying role, the sharing of information and knowledge and the investment in new technologies are essential in modern times and have contributed to a closer relation between Azorean emigrants and their homeland."
 
In this context, Paulo Teves praised the action of Artesia Radio Television in the "promotion and dissemination of the Atlantic dimension of Portugal - 'Azoreanity' - in its area of influence, highlighting the value, prestige and importance of Azorean communities in the construction and development of the societies where they are rooted."
 
Founded in 1990, Artesia Radio Television has provided, since then, a Portuguese programming in Southern California.
 
In addition to journalism, this media body and its board have developed several activities to promote Portuguese culture in that state.