Activity Details (ID# 10854)

Activity Synopsis

The objectives of the seminar were to discuss what quality journalism is and to identify how the quality of journalism could be improved. 

During the first session, the definition of quality journalism was discussed. Mr Frédéric GRAS defined the notion on the basis of the European case law and of rules of deontology adopted in 1971 by the International Federation of Journalists and subsequently by several journalists trade unions. During the discussions, several participants expressed the view that in Bosnia and Herzegovina journalists do not act very professionally and that, in general, the public do not trust the media.

During the second session, Mr Frédéric GRAS presented the European standards regarding defamation and Mr Nikica Gržić, lawyer, Mr Mehmed Halilović, Deputy Ombudsman for Media and Mr Sinan Alic, journalist presented a stocktaking of the Law on protection against defamation and of its implementation. The assessment of the first three years of implementation of the law was positive. Several difficulties which arose at the beginning of the implementation of the law have already been solved or are currently being solved.

Nevertheless two specific points remain to be followed: the case law in order to avoid contradiction between decisions, in particular in the granting of damages and the use of Art 10 § 3 of the Law on Defamation which should remain an exception.

The third session was aimed at trying to answer the following question: how to promote Quality Journalism?
In his presentation Professor Richard Keeble examined the radical press of the early 19th century and argued that it gave voice to a special authentic form of journalism which the emergence of professionalism had paradoxically marginalised. He stressed that one crucial element of trustworthy journalism is the fact that the readers be addressed primarily, though not exclusively, as citizens actively engaged within the public sphere rather than as consumers. He then stated that the internet has two dominant trends: on the one hand it offers the state enormous opportunities for keeping watch over its citizens; and on the other hand it offers the chance for a new authentic form of journalism to emerge – with readers addressed as citizens rather than consumers, notably on many new radical sites. He concluded by explaining how the mainstream media could learn from the alternative media.
During this session, self-regulation and education of journalists were mainly discussed.

The question was raised whether self-regulation is really adapted to the situation of Bosnia and Herzegovina but the conclusion was that co-regulation was the best way to deal with media problems in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It was underlined that the Association of journalists BiH Novinari should play a greater role in the implementation of quality journalism by speaking up more systematically when the code of ethics is not respected and that the Press Council’s positions should be made more widely public (it was suggested that, for instance, an agreement be found with broadcasters to this aim).

As regards the education of journalists, the discussions led to the four following conclusions : 1. there is a important need for educating teaching staff; 2. Bosnians universities and schools of journalism have no technical tools to teach students in journalism; 3. continuing education should be encouraged; 4. some associations in Bosnia propose very professional training and could usefully receive financial support.

Lastly a lack of solidarity in the profession was mentioned – there is a lack of Unions of Journalists to face the power of the owners.
 

Although the Seminar was a good way to identify obstacles to real quality journalism, the limits of the seminars organised until now were discussed: seminars bring together media professionals who are already convinced of the importance of respecting ethical values and European norms, notably because they have participated in several seminars of the same kind for several years; the difficulty is to reach the other media professionals (journalists, editors, etc…) who would really benefit from these seminars.

Future seminars should be organised in other cities than Sarajevo, for instance Tuzla, Banja Luka, Mostar, and/or should preferably take the form of workshop dealing with practical cases, concrete examples.
 

Journalists 

Mr Frédéric GRAS, Lawyer, Paris Bar
Mr Richard KEEBLE, Professor, School of Journalism, University of Lincoln, Great Britain
 

Ms Charlotte de BROUTELLES, Media Division, Directorate General of Human Rights