Activity Details (ID# 18026)

Activity Synopsis

Find ways to help ensure the fair, balanced and impartial coverage of the 2007 Parliamentary elections in Armenia. 

The principal issues addressed during the round table discussions were:

- the media coverage of past elections:

While media coverage during the 2003 Parliamentary elections was generally considered balanced, it was pointed out that in the periods between elections the media in Armenia, and broadcasting in particular, often lack balance, fairness and impartiality in their coverage of news and current affairs.

- the main challenges surrounding the fair, balanced and impartial media coverage of elections:

The journalists stressed that the lack of financial and political independence of media outlets as well as physical or other harassment of journalists prevented them from providing impartial, fair and balanced media coverage. A large part of the participants seemed to have resigned to this fact; some even considered it perfectly legitimate in the current situation to sell their ‘services’ to the highest bidder. The Council of Europe experts insisted on the fact that journalists have an obligation towards society to provide them with honest information and that quality journalism can also be financially profitable.

- the need for a self-regulatory framework for Armenian media:

During the round table, the question of self-regulation was also evoked, in particular in the context of media coverage of election campaigns. The participants were divided on this issue, some fearing that their work would be too restricted and that it suffices for journalists ‘to be honest’. Supporters of the code of conduct initiative and the Council of Europe experts underlined that a common ethical framework could not only improve the quality of media coverage but that the adherence to common standards could also provide a defence against criticism of the media and attacks on journalists.
 

The round table agreed on the need for a three-pronged approach:

- to identify the possible changes in the law which would safeguard media freedom and support high journalistic standards in order to lay out more effectively the principles which underpin freedom of expression and information in order to ensure that it is line with Council of Europe standards;

- to define the role and process of appointment to the media regulatory bodies which ensures their independence from the political process and enables them to set transparent rules for journalistic conduct;

- As a profession, to elaborate professional codes of conduct which define the ethics of journalistic practice and offer guidance to professionals on how to do their work as an exercise in public accountability. These codes should also point to the particular requirements of media coverage during elections; further future self-regulatory activities could include the setting up of a press council.
 

Representatives of the Armenian media 

Mr Christophoros Christophorou, Political analyst, former Director of Cyprus Radio Television Authority
Mr Stephen Whittle, formerly Controller, Editorial Policy BBC, currently the Chairman of the UK’s Broadcasting Training and Skills Regulator
 

Ms Franziska Klopfer, Media and Information Society Division