Tweet
IFEX, Canada
Dec 9 2004
ARMENIAN, AZERI JOURNALISTS FORGE DIALOGUE AMIDST CONFLICT
Nagorno-Karabakh, an enclave in the Caucasus region that has seen
heavy fighting in the past between Armenia and Azerbaijan, is a place
that provokes fiery debate and even deep-seated hatred among citizens
of both countries. Local journalists compare it to the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and governments on both sides use the
media to stoke fear and fan the flames of ethnic tension.
But despite a decades-long divide between Armenia and Azerbaijan,
journalists are working together in small but remarkable ways to
promote more fair and balanced media coverage, reports the Committee
to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
In its latest issue of "Dangerous Assignments," CPJ documents several
cross-border initiatives, including the use of non-traditional media
to promote civic dialogue and fill an "informational vacuum" that
lies between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Radio Van, an Armenian broadcaster, features talk shows that allow
listeners to discuss "hot topics," including Nagorno-Karabakh,
environmental problems and minority rights. Denied government
permission to broadcast beyond the capital, Yerevan, the station uses
its website to reach more listeners.
On www.caucasusjournalists.net, a website launched by the
Yerevan-based Region Centre, more than 150 journalists from the
Caucasus exchange ideas and opinions in online forums. The website
gives journalists a chance to publicise their work online and conduct
"cross-border interviews" with government officials and other
newsmakers. Journalists must pledge to uphold media ethics when
reporting.
Meanwhile, local press clubs in Yerevan and the Azeri capital, Baku,
organise joint press conferences by satellite, during which
journalists from both countries interview politicians and government
leaders, discuss the news and then report what they learn in their
own media.
While some say these initiatives may not have much influence because
of government control over the media in both countries, others
believe cooperation will go a long way in defusing tension and
dispelling stereotypes. "Fair information has the power to make us
change our perception and to make rational decisions, while unfair
information reinforces stereotypes, stirs up anger and leads to
stupid decisions," says John Boit, regional director for Internews.
To read the full story, visit:
http://www.cpj.org/Briefings/2004/DA_fall04/DA_fall04.pdf
Dec 9 2004
ARMENIAN, AZERI JOURNALISTS FORGE DIALOGUE AMIDST CONFLICT
Nagorno-Karabakh, an enclave in the Caucasus region that has seen
heavy fighting in the past between Armenia and Azerbaijan, is a place
that provokes fiery debate and even deep-seated hatred among citizens
of both countries. Local journalists compare it to the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and governments on both sides use the
media to stoke fear and fan the flames of ethnic tension.
But despite a decades-long divide between Armenia and Azerbaijan,
journalists are working together in small but remarkable ways to
promote more fair and balanced media coverage, reports the Committee
to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
In its latest issue of "Dangerous Assignments," CPJ documents several
cross-border initiatives, including the use of non-traditional media
to promote civic dialogue and fill an "informational vacuum" that
lies between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Radio Van, an Armenian broadcaster, features talk shows that allow
listeners to discuss "hot topics," including Nagorno-Karabakh,
environmental problems and minority rights. Denied government
permission to broadcast beyond the capital, Yerevan, the station uses
its website to reach more listeners.
On www.caucasusjournalists.net, a website launched by the
Yerevan-based Region Centre, more than 150 journalists from the
Caucasus exchange ideas and opinions in online forums. The website
gives journalists a chance to publicise their work online and conduct
"cross-border interviews" with government officials and other
newsmakers. Journalists must pledge to uphold media ethics when
reporting.
Meanwhile, local press clubs in Yerevan and the Azeri capital, Baku,
organise joint press conferences by satellite, during which
journalists from both countries interview politicians and government
leaders, discuss the news and then report what they learn in their
own media.
While some say these initiatives may not have much influence because
of government control over the media in both countries, others
believe cooperation will go a long way in defusing tension and
dispelling stereotypes. "Fair information has the power to make us
change our perception and to make rational decisions, while unfair
information reinforces stereotypes, stirs up anger and leads to
stupid decisions," says John Boit, regional director for Internews.
To read the full story, visit:
http://www.cpj.org/Briefings/2004/DA_fall04/DA_fall04.pdf