Activity Details (ID# 7577)

Activity Synopsis

The objective of the Seminar was to provide information and training on the European standards concerning the rights and responsibilities of journalists and to discuss what further steps could be taken in time of crisis. 

The seminar was opened by Mr Bilgic, Director General of Press and Information. The president of the Turkish Republic, Mr Ahmet Necdet Sezer sent a message to the seminar (something which he does rarely). In his message, the President said:''Even in times of crisis, the freedom of media should not be limited. Like all other democratic institutions, the media should also be able to fulfil its duty without any presure. In order to survive the democracy, its institutions should be able to work at any time, even in times of crisis.''
The first session of the Conference was dedicated to the legal framework. Mr. Pegado-Liz, lawyer, presented the Council of Europe general standards regarding the rights and responsibilities of journalists. He then gave a quick overview of the main recommendations and declarations adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on media rights and on freedom of expression in times of crisis [Recommendation R (97) 20 on “hate speech”, Recommendation R (97) 21 on media and the promotion of a culture of tolerance, Recommendation R (2007) on the right of journalists not to disclose their sources of information, Declaration on the protection of journalists in situation of conflict and tension (3 Mai 1996)], including the work under preparation regarding freedom of expression in the context of the fight against terrorism.
Prof. Dr. Avşar, from the Radio and Television High Council (RTÜK) gave an overview of the content of the different ethic codes adopted in Turkey and of the legal provisions of legal rules restricting freedom of expression, in particular in time of crisis.

Mr Toperi, ex- spokesman of the Presidency and Foreign Ministry, delivered a speech on “freedom of information of journalists and the responsibilities of public officials in giving true information”. He pointed out the difficulties in establishing healthy relations between spokespersons and the Press. He also underlined that there should be a distinction between the relations with the press and the relations with the public which are of different nature.

The practical aspects of reporting in times of crisis were discussed during the second session.
Mrs Adie, from BBC News, shared with the participants her long experience of “reporting under fire”. She underlined that telling the whole truth has always been a problem in times of conflict but that technological development has made it even more difficult. She spoke of moral dilemmas arising when covering conflict. She analysed the reasons why covering conflicts was more and more dangerous. Lastly, she spoke of the responsibility of the 24-hour TV news in giving a clean image of war, far from what democracies need to sustain a debate of public interest.

Ms İmir, from CNN Turk TV, explained the advantages and drawbacks of working with the military units in conflict areas. Following her presentation the notion of “embedded” media professionals was discussed.

During his speech on “the role of the media in protecting and developing intercultural dialogue”, Prof. Dr. Alemdar, of the Faculty of Communication of Ankara, underlined that there can not be intercultural dialogue without reciprocity.

Following this session, different issues were discussed such as the difficulties for journalists, in particular freelance journalists, to find insurance coverage, and the question of whether and how to protect journalists on the field.
 

The participants appreciated the open debate after the presentations and the level of attendance throughout the Conference showed that it was timely and successful. The Journalists' association is envisaging publishing a large summary of the Seminar proceedings. This association also plans to do essential research in the increasing danger faced by journalists and to ask the Government to set up a solid and compulsory insurance system for journalists sent to dangerous conflict areas. 

Journalists, editors, academics, students, Members of Parliament.

 

Mr Jorge Pegado-Liz, Lawyer, Portugal
Ms Kate Adie, author and Broadcaster, BBC News, United Kingdom 

Mr Hanno Hartig, Head of Department for Media, Equality and Minorities, Directorate General of Human Rights
Ms Charlotte de Broutelles, Media Division, Directorate General of Human Rights