In April, 13-14, 2017, workshop ‘World journalistic standards in the conditions of war and crisis for journalists, in particular, from the occupied territories’ was held in Odesa. The event was organized by the Academy of Ukrainian Press with the support of Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Ukraine funded by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany.
While opening the workshop, Valeriy Ivanov, President of the Academy of Ukrainian Press emphasized on the importance to follow professional standards, especially during the hybrid war. ‘A journalist is obliged to tell the truth, whatever it is. Only so we can save the confidence of society in media, – he pointed out. – It’s clear that our state found itself in a difficult situation and it is more and more difficult for journalists to be unbiased observers and stay beyond the conflict’.
Volodymyr Mostovyi, founder of ‘Dzerkalo Tyzhnia’ (Weekly Mirror) weekly newspaper addressed young colleagues: ‘Becoming a journalist, you are signing the agreement with society about its permission for you to inform people. What is the people’s confidence based on? – Your promise to follow professional standards and ethical requirements’. Besides that, he mentioned: ‘Whatever a journalist wrote – he would write about himself. A reader or viewer evaluates his competence, position, general cultural level and adherence to principles while covering the topic. And it is possible to earn the only thing in journalistic career – your name. However, one can easily lose it and never return’.
«Any existing position should be reflected in media, – claimed the founder of Donbas public broadcasting television, Oleksii Matsuka, – because a purpose of journalists in to present information as it is. If a journalist is covering a conflict, opinions of both sides should be given».
«Remember that truth is the first victim in a conflict. People are choosing what side to support. You can ask three people on what has happened and get three different answers – and even more, if you return and ask the same question later again…» – pointed out Oleksii Matsuka.
At the workshop, while doing practical tasks, participants were looking for clear and possible violations of professional standards on the examples from the world practice. They have been discussing legal and ethical restrictions for journalists during the creation of content on the topic of conflicts. Social media and their influence on cultivating social opinion was paid attention to.
As it was mentioned by Oleksandr Halias, workshop participant, deputy editor of «Porto-Franko» newspaper: «When there is an opportunity, I always try to take part in all events held by the Academy of Ukrainian Press, because the information I get here is interesting and up-to-date. I like the technique of presenting information very much. It’s a pity for me that local journalists are mostly not interested in such events. For Odesa region the topic of conflicts is relevant, on the 2nd of May, 2014 after tragic events we felt it. There soon will be three years from this date and all information we received here will be necessary for coverage of this topic».
A huge three-year joint project of the Academy of Ukrainian Press and Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (with the supported of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany), is aimed at increasing of qualification level among Ukrainian journalists.
The event is organized by the Academy of Ukrainian Press in cooperation with Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom with the supported of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany.
