Activity Details (ID# 1596)

Activity Synopsis

The general aim of the workshop was to discuss the possibility of implementing self-regulatory mechanisms in the media field in Georgia. More specifically, the workshop’s participants discussed the question of whether a Press Ombudsman institution could be established in Georgia and whether such an institution would be the most appropriate one. 

The workshop was very well organised and several relevant documents were distributed to the participants. The consultants’ presentations as well as the discussion proved to be of high quality and enabled an extremely lively, constructive and concentrated debate.
It was shown that the development of self-regulatory mechanisms may take several forms (some of which could be initiated by individual newspapers). It could complement the adoption of a legislation which would set general rules regulating freedom of expression. The development of Media Accountability Systems (MAS) throughout the world demonstrated to the participants that, despite the difficult situation in the media sector in Georgia, the promotion of quality media aimed at their readers and their listeners could be an achievable goal if the entire or part of the profession agreed on common principles to be respected and aimed at professionalism. These could be gathered in a Code of Ethics adapted to the Georgian situation and the proper implementation of which could be overseen by a Press Council.
The workshop was well covered by both the electronic media and the press (specific news items were broadcasted on all the main TV channels and several articles and interviews were published in the press).
The Information and Documentation Centre of the Council of Europe provided a good source of information to the workshop organisers.
There was no negative feedback. It was regrettable that no press owner was represented during the workshop. Their involvement in the process will, however, be promoted after the workshop by the organisers.
 

After the workshop, two small working groups were created: the first group will prepare a Code of Ethics, while the second will look at the question of the creation of a Press Council in Georgia and possibly a press ombudsman institution. In the framework of the Joint Programme, two additional meetings were foreseen to take place. During the next meeting, which should take place at the beginning of 2003, the work of these two groups will be presented and discussed among interested media organisations and media professionals.

The workshop’s organisers are currently preparing a publication related to the development of media accountability systems in Georgia. The publication will include the report prepared by Prof. Bertrand on the current situation in Georgia and recommendations to develop MAS in this country.
 

Media professionals, representatives of governmental and judicial institutions, Public defender of Georgia, representatives of international organisations and embassies, NGO specialised in the human rights and media sectors 

Prof. Claude-Jean BERTRAND, Paris University (France)
Mr Pär-Arne JIGENIUS, former Press Ombudsman (Sweden)
 

Mr Mario OETHEIMER, Media Division, DG II