I feel it is a great privilege to be President of the Elizabeth R. Broadcasting Fund, having been partly responsible for its conception. The trustees and I read the applications for funds very carefully, and make awards where we can see the potential to help as many people throughout the Commonwealth as possible - both within the broadcasting organisations themselves and amongst their audiences as well.

As we approach our 15th anniversary we are asking broadcasters and other organisations interested in Commonwealth affairs in this country to contribute to the Elizabeth R Broadcasting Fund, either as individuals or as companies, to widen the positive effect which it can make throughout the Commonwealth media world. In this way we can all share those skills, which we have learnt and benefited from here in the UK, with other fellow broadcasters, who do not have the advantages we do.

Many people working in broadcasting have been generous with their time in helping those people who have come to the UK, helped by the Fund, to broaden their skills. To help more people we are aiming to double the money we currently have to award - please help us if you can.

Thank you.

Floella Benjamin OBE
President, Elizabeth R Broadcasting Fund