Young journalists learn fair reporting and ethical standards - Media Programme Southeast Europe
Event Reports
The Summer School of Media Ethics in Konjic took place for the second time. Based on a concept of the Press Council Bosnia-Herzegovina, the KAS Media Program South East Europe enabled a five-day seminar for young journalists from ten countries. The participants learned from Europe-wide leading experts and exchanged professional experiences.
20 participants from South East Europe were invited to Konjic, a city between Sarajevo and Mostar, from 3 to 8 July. The KAS Media Program and the Press Council Bosnia and Herzegovina cooperated for the organisation of the Summer School. Their goal was to promote responsible reporting. In addition, a network of young journalists from South East Europe should be built, in order to facilitate a long-term exchange of Best Practices.
The event was opened by the directors of both partner organisations: Ljiljana Zurovac (Press Council Bosnia-Herzegovina) and Christian Spahr (KAS Media Program South East Europe). The main topics of the programme were presented according to the following leitmotiv: The purpose of journalism is to inform and to remain precise, ethically responsible and respectful. Aidan White, Director of the Ethical Journalism Network from London, explained the ethical principles with examples of media reporting. Media are being used for manipulation, hate speech is not being recognised and sanctioned. It is important to keep in mind basic ethical values, Aidan White said. Social responsibility can and must be combined with good journalism. White underlined the importance of the context of every journalistic material. Furthermore, the participants discussed ethical boundaries of reporting.
More in the event report.