Activity Details (ID# 7524)

Activity Synopsis

The aim of the seminar was to promote media understanding and application of ethical and professional standards by Azeri journalists in the light of the code of ethics of Azerbaijan and the standards of the Council of Europe. This was carried out using role play scenarios, moderated by a Council of Europe and a local trainer, in order to discuss ethical questions and professional journalistic behaviour. 

An action plan on media professionalism was agreed (attached) which all participants considered could be usefully implemented and developed to further the independence and quality of media in Azerbaijan in particular by considering how: (i) editors and journalists may better work together, (ii) dialogue between the state and selected media may be strengthened, (iii) the press council of Azerbaijan may strengthen its expertise through partnerships with other press councils and (iv) greater scrutiny in the issuance of press cards may be developed to strengthen the quality and credibility of professional journalists.

The role play scenarios were executed with excellence by the Council of Europe trainer, Mr Ronan Brady (Ireland) and Mr Zeynal Mammadli, Professor, Baku State University. Such role play exercises are an excellent way to carry out such training seminars.

All participants were extremely satisfied with the seminar and there was a general feeling of achievement amongst them. There was no significant criticism of the seminar by the participants, they would however have preferred role play scenarios which corresponded more to Azerbaijan reality.

The technical and organisational preparation was excellent.

The event was covered by at least 5 newspapers and by a national and a regional television channel.

The main seminar target group – of journalists from the written press and electronic media – was reached, although it was regretful that there were no representatives from the State present.


 

The adopted action plan on media professionalism in Azerbaijan provides a useful basis on which follow-up work could be usefully carried out by the Council of Europe in the coming months, especially in those areas mentioned above in points (i) to (iv) above.

The results and reasoning of the role play scenarios are to be elaborated by the local and Council of Europe trainers and thereafter prepared as a booklet, by the local organiser, Yeni Nesil, concerning ethical/professional journalistic behaviour.

Yeni Nesil will also examine the necessity and feasibility of setting up a central resource centre for journalists.
 

Journalists from the written press and electronic media

 

Ronan Brady (Ireland)

 

Lee Hibbard, Media Division, DGII