Chinese journalist delegation pays visit to Kathimerini counterparts
Every year at about this time, a delegation of Chinese journalists come to meet their Greek counterparts. Each time, the gathering takes place in Kathimerini’s fifth-floor halls – where the landmark front pages feature prominently. The long, round table is covered with issues of Kathimerini and Kathimerini English Edition (the latter along with the International Herald Tribune), supplements, CDs and advertising material. This time round, the 10-member team seemed to be particularly interested in the way Kathimerini has crossed over into the new age – from the large format (which the paper maintains) to the development of special editions and supplements and correspondence from all over the world. The delegation was especially impressed by the addition of a New York Times supplement, published with Kathimerini on Fridays. The delegation’s leader and China Daily editor in chief Zhou Gengxin was the most talkative, along with women journalists who addressed questions about the role of working women to their female colleagues: Eleni Triandafyllidi, head of the International Desk; Martha Dertili, member of Kathimerini’s board of directors, and Helbi. The group was also interested in learning the facts and figures of Kathimerini’s daily life: the paper’s history, the number of editors and staff members, the relationship between the publishers and the editorial managers as well as salaries, circulation and advertising. Then it was our turn to ask them about preparations for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. «We estimate that we will be ready by 2006; we are, however, interested in Greece’s know-how, the country which provided beautiful and safe Games.» Besides visiting Kathimerini as well as another newspaper, the Chinese delegation’s Greek visit included a conference at the Zappeion Hall along with members of the government as well as visits to Hydra, Epidaurus and Nafplio. Before bidding them farewell, the Greek team offered its heartfelt wishes for success in organizing the 2008 Games and everyone posed for one extra photo-op. In turn, the Chinese delegation offered an exceptional gift. Given by Zhou Gengxin to Kathimerini Managing Editor Nikos Konstandaras, this was a colorful example of old-style calligraphy.
