On August 6 and 7, workshops and solidarity discussions/events of the MCERC project "Media Voice: media - more freedom and less self-censorship" were held at the Batumi Center for Civic Engagement. Journalists (including from Ajara Public broadcaster, Radio Ajara, Investigative studio REC), local civic activists and representatives of the non-governmental sector took part in the meetings.
The goal of "MediaVoice" project is to support freedom of speech by strengthening the vitality of the media and creating a supportive media environment. In addition, strengthening the capacity of media workers to combat self-censorship and fear. Topics of the training: Media and self-censorship, freedom of speech, human rights and the media, solidarity journalism.
Public Broadcasting journalist Nino Zautashvili was a special invited expert to the workshop held in Batumi. The training took place in question-answer mode. Representatives of the media and active non-governmental organizations operating in the Ajara region participated in the solidarity discussion, on August 7.
"If you want to evoke empathy for a vulnerable group in the audience, you must cover real stories from the lives of these people. Solidarity journalism is united by one motto: "Nothing about vulnerable groups without them!" - Nino Zautashvili, public broadcaster noted during the discussion.
An interesting discussion was held on the relationship between politicians and journalists and professional ethics. The participants noted that it is important to maintain a formal distance with politicians during professional activities. At the end of the meeting in Batumi, the participants in the discussion were awarded certificates.
In the coming months, similar workshops and discussions with the involvement of media workers will continue throughout Georgia. MCERC actively cooperates with media organizations and higher educational institutions. The main partners of the "Mediavoice" project are the Institute of International Law of TSU (Jean Monet Chair / UEUPE), the University of Georgia and "Publica".
The MCERC project "Mediavoice: more freedom, less self-censorship in the media" is implemented with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Georgia.
Follow the link to see media coverage of the events: https://ajaratv.ge/article/100668?fbclid=IwAR2mC4b1bb7Jtxc6SByO_irtpvBVxqJH0_WgloEw4Zgz93g3C1xD9a8pI1U
