JOURNALISTS AND WRITERS FOUNDATION
MEDIA AND JOURNALISM WEBINARS 2023
Session 1: The Role of Media in Promoting and Protecting Human Rights
27 June 2023, Tuesday at 10:00 - 11:30 AM (EST)
The Media and Journalism Webinars is an online certificate program organized by the Journalist and Writers Foundation (JWF) to equip aspiring journalists and media professionals with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to excel in their careers. These webinars provide a unique opportunity for participants to engage in interactive discussions, learn from seasoned journalists, and gain valuable insights into the dynamic world of media and journalism. With a focus on promoting freedom of speech, press freedom, and democracy, the webinars delve into crucial topics such as human rights, responsible journalism, and the impact of technology on the media landscape.
Through mentorship, hands-on training, and thought-provoking conversations, the Media and Journalism Webinars empower participants to navigate the ever-evolving media landscape and make a meaningful impact in the field. In its 4th year of this virtual certificate program, JWF hosted participants of young journalists and media members from 29 different countries as well as 11 notable expert speakers from 6 countries.
Session 1 on “The Role of Media in Promoting and Protecting Human Rights” delved into the critical aspects of press freedom and its influence on fundamental human rights. Speakers highlighted the significant role of press freedom in driving other essential rights, emphasizing its ability to create peaceful and cohesive societies through the free flow of information. The challenges associated with ensuring freedom of expression on the internet were explored, acknowledging the role of new and emerging technologies in advancing human rights reporting. This session provided valuable insights into the crucial intersection of media, human rights, and technology in today’s evolving landscape.
Melissa Mahtani's International Reporting Journey & Her Role at Fareed Zakaria GPS
Melissa Mahtani, a renowned journalist and Senior Producer at CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS Program embarked on her international reporting journey driven by curiosity and a passion for understanding diverse cultures. Her role within the program allows her to contribute to comprehensive and insightful discussions on global issues. Melissa’s career began with the opportunity to travel and explore different countries, sparking her interest in global affairs and the power of storytelling.
Joining Fareed Zakaria GPS was a significant milestone for Melissa. Working alongside Fareed Zakaria, a respected journalist known for his insightful analysis, she collaborates with a dedicated team to research and develop engaging story ideas that offer unique insights into global events. Conducting in-depth interviews with world leaders, experts, and change-makers, Melissa aims to provide viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of our world.
Melissa values the program’s commitment to nuanced discussions and balanced perspectives. Fareed Zakaria GPS goes beyond headlines, delving into the deeper complexities of international affairs. Melissa’s role allows her to explore a wide range of topics, fostering a deeper understanding among viewers and contributing to the global dialogue on pressing issues.
Melissa recognizes the privilege and responsibility that comes with her role. Through delivering insightful and thought-provoking content, she actively engages in raising awareness and promoting a deeper understanding of crucial international matters. Her dedication to exploring diverse perspectives and fostering meaningful discussions makes her a valuable contributor to the global dialogue on pressing international issues. Melissa’s journey exemplifies the importance of journalism in shedding light on the complexities of our world and promoting a deeper understanding among audiences.
Journalism Work in Exile & The International Journalists Association: Insights from Yuksel Durgut
Yuksel Durgut, a seasoned journalist, shared his experiences and insights regarding his journalism work in exile and the establishment of the International Journalists Association (IJA). Having begun his career in the 1990s as a Bureau Chief and war reporter in various countries, Yuksel was compelled to leave Turkey in 2016 due to the deteriorating human rights situation and the shrinking media landscape.
In his response, Yuksel discussed the challenges he faced as an exiled journalist, which included leaving behind everything and starting afresh in a foreign country with limited resources. Despite the difficulties, he took the initiative to establish the International Journalists Association in Germany. The primary purpose of this association is to provide support and foster connections among exiled journalists, offering them a platform to continue their work and raise awareness about press freedom and human rights issues.
Yuksel highlighted the resilience and determination demonstrated by journalists who face adversity, referring to them as “refugees of journalism” who actively seek new opportunities. He emphasized their utilization of social media and other platforms to pursue their profession and shed light on critical matters. The International Journalists Association plays a crucial role as a support network for exiled journalists, enabling them to maintain their voices and contribute to the global conversation on press freedom.
In summary, Yuksel Durgut’s insights shed light on his journalism work in exile and the significant role played by the International Journalists Association. Through this association, exiled journalists receive support and establish connections, empowering them to continue their journalistic endeavours and advocate for press freedom and human rights.
Press Freedom as a Driver of All Other Fundamental Human Rights
Melissa, in response to the question about her reflections on the Geneva Summit and Oslo Freedom Forum, shared her experiences of engaging with human rights defenders from various countries. She emphasized the significance of these summits in providing a platform for dissidents to share their stories and shed light on human rights abuses in countries with limited press freedom. Melissa highlighted the crucial role journalists play in giving a voice to the voiceless and holding governments accountable. She expressed concerns about the impact of suppressing press freedom on other fundamental human rights in oppressed countries and emphasized the need to address these issues collectively.
In regards to the question about the impact of silencing the media on democracy in Turkey, Yuksel acknowledged that Turkey has one of the lowest rankings in media freedom. He discussed the detrimental effects of censoring and silencing the media on the democratic fabric of the country. Yuksel highlighted the challenges faced by journalists in Turkey, including censorship, harassment, and violence. He stressed the importance of raising awareness about human rights violations and the suppression of press freedom to safeguard democracy. Yuksel’s insights underscored the need for free and independent media as a vital pillar of democracy.
Overall, the speakers emphasized the interconnection between press freedom, human rights, and democracy. They highlighted the crucial role of journalists in exposing human rights abuses, holding governments accountable, and fostering democratic societies. The challenges faced by journalists in oppressive regimes were acknowledged, and the importance of international collaboration, media literacy, and alternative platforms for sharing information was emphasized.
Free Flow of Information & Press Freedom to Create Peaceful and Cohesive Societies
In response to the question about the role of the free flow of information in creating peaceful and cohesive societies, the speakers highlighted the importance of a free press in promoting sustainable peace. They acknowledged that the Global Peace Index has shown a deteriorating trend in positive peace over the past decade, coinciding with a decline in press freedom.
Melissa and Yuksel emphasized the interconnection between press freedom, the free flow of information, and peace. They explained that a free press plays a crucial role in holding governments accountable, exposing human rights abuses, and promoting transparency. By providing accurate and diverse information, a free press enables citizens to make informed decisions and actively participate in democratic processes. They also stressed that suppressing the free flow of information can contribute to the rise of authoritarian regimes, hinder societal peace, and lead to a lack of trust between governments and their citizens.
The speakers highlighted the importance of journalists in promoting sustainable peace by reporting on issues that contribute to social cohesion, addressing inequalities, and fostering understanding among different communities. They emphasized that a free press helps to identify and address the root causes of conflicts, promote dialogue, and facilitate reconciliation processes.
Recognizing the crucial role of a free press and the free flow of information in creating peaceful and cohesive societies, both Melisa and Yuksel emphasized the need to protect press freedom, combat censorship, and ensure that journalists can operate without fear or intimidation. The conversation underscored the urgent need to address the decline in press freedom and promote the fundamental role of journalism in achieving sustainable peace.
Freedom of Expression and the Internet: The Challenges of Ensuring Freedom of Expression on the Internet
Melissa and Yuksel acknowledged that the internet has become a crucial platform for the exchange of information and the promotion of freedom of expression. They highlighted the role of social media in exposing human rights abuses and sharing important news, citing examples such as the Arab Spring and the Syrian Revolution. However, they also emphasized the challenges posed by this new battle of information.
Melissa stressed the need to hold technology companies accountable for enabling the spread of misinformation and allowing oppressive regimes to exploit their platforms. She emphasized the importance of media literacy and fact-checking as crucial tools in combating the spread of fake news and disinformation.
Yuksel highlighted the fundamental human rights of freedom of communication and expression, particularly in undemocratic regimes. He discussed the challenges faced by journalists in countries like Turkey, where the government censors and blocks access to information. Yuksel emphasized the significance of technologies like virtual private networks (VPNs) in circumventing censorship and safeguarding freedom of expression.
The speakers collectively acknowledged the detrimental effects of fake news, censorship, and the manipulation of public opinion. They emphasized the urgent need to address these issues to preserve freedom of expression on the Internet. The conversation highlighted the importance of raising awareness, advocating for transparency from technology companies, and developing strategies to combat the spread of misinformation while protecting freedom of expression.
Overall, the speakers recognized the complexities and risks associated with the battle of information on the internet. They underscored the necessity of addressing these challenges to ensure that the Internet remains a platform for open discourse, access to information, and the promotion of freedom of expression.
New and Emerging Technologies that Advance Human Rights Reporting
The speakers addressed the question regarding the impact of new and emerging technologies on human rights reporting and the role of social media in raising awareness of human rights violations. They discussed both the positive aspects and challenges associated with these technologies.
Melissa and Yuksel acknowledged that social media has provided a new outlet for raising awareness of human rights violations and promoting freedom of expression. They cited examples such as the Arab Spring and the Syrian Revolution, where social media played a crucial role in exposing abuses and mobilizing people. They recognized the potential of these technologies to amplify voices and shed light on important issues.
However, they also highlighted the challenges and risks faced by journalists in utilizing social media. Melissa stressed the importance of holding technology companies accountable for enabling misinformation and allowing oppressive regimes to exploit their platforms. She emphasized the need for media literacy and fact-checking to combat the spread of misinformation.
Yuksel discussed the specific challenges faced by journalists in countries like Turkey, where the government censors and blocks access to information. He mentioned the significance of technologies like virtual private networks (VPNs) in circumventing censorship and safeguarding freedom of expression. While acknowledging the potential of social media, he also noted that it can be a double-edged sword, as it can provide a platform for harassment and attacks against journalists.
Melissa and Yuksel recognized the opportunities presented by new and emerging technologies for human rights reporting, particularly in terms of raising awareness and reaching wider audiences. However, they also emphasized the need for journalists to navigate the challenges and risks associated with social media, such as harassment and the spread of misinformation. They underscored the importance of responsible and ethical journalism in utilizing these technologies to promote human rights and freedom of expression.
Question and Answer Session
The discussion revolved around the impact of exile journalism on democracy in journalists’ home countries. The speaker acknowledged the presence of exiled Russian journalists, like Vladimir Kara-Murza, who relocated to other countries to continue reporting on conflicts and truths in their home countries, such as the conflict in Ukraine. However, there was skepticism about the direct impact of exile journalism on democracy. The speaker cited insights from an interview with Dmitry Muratov, a Nobel Prize winner, who mentioned that exiled journalists can raise awareness and report, but their actual influence on democracy may be limited due to physical distance and challenges in verifying information.
The participants then discussed the challenges faced by journalists in countries with restricted press freedom, specifically Turkey and Russia. A Russian participant expressed concerns about the lack of democracy and freedom of expression in Russia, highlighting the difficulties encountered by journalists attempting to report the truth. A Turkish participant shared similar experiences and emphasized the importance of increasing awareness about human rights violations and press freedom.
The predicament faced by journalists in exile was also highlighted, as they need to consider where their voices can be most effectively heard. The example of Jan Dundar, a Turkish journalist in exile who continues to advocate for press freedom, was mentioned. The role of social media and the significance of collaboration among allies in the global fight for democracy and freedom of expression were also discussed. Participants recognized the challenges of reporting on sensitive issues and emphasized the necessity of creativity and perseverance in finding alternative means of conveying stories.
Furthermore, participants engaged in a discussion about reporting on social and cultural issues in oppressive regimes without endorsing the regime or compromising journalistic integrity. The consensus was that reporting on these issues remains important as they can be newsworthy and effectively engage audiences. It was emphasized that distinguishing between government actions and the experiences and perspectives of the people within these regimes is crucial. Reporting on social and cultural issues can sometimes circumvent censorship and effectively reach the local population. The speakers shared examples from Turkey, where coverage of social issues was often overlooked in favor of broadcasting documentaries or suppressing news about natural disasters. They acknowledged the risks and challenges faced by journalists in oppressive regimes but underscored the importance of truth-telling and raising awareness through various platforms, including social media.
SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES
MELISSA MAHTANI, Freelance International Journalist, USA
Melissa Mahtani is an accomplished freelance international journalist, recognized for her exceptional work in the media industry. With a career spanning over a decade, Melissa has made significant contributions as a Senior Producer and Reporter for CNN’s esteemed digital team since 2012. She has garnered an Emmy nomination for her outstanding achievements in journalism.
Throughout her career, Melissa has demonstrated her versatility and dedication to producing high-quality content across multiple platforms. Her expertise lies in writing, producing, and creating engaging stories that resonate with global audiences. Melissa’s interviews with influential change-makers from around the world, including figures like Vladimir Kara-Murza, Masih Alinejad, Afghanistan’s youngest Mayor Zarifa Ghafari, and Namibia’s first lady, have showcased her ability to delve into pressing issues and amplify diverse voices.
In addition to her work as a journalist, Melissa is a valuable member of CNN’s “As Equals” team, which focuses on gender-related stories and topics. Her role extends beyond reporting, as she actively hosts and moderates events that aim to foster wider impact and engagement. Melissa’s involvement in designing the social strategy for special events, such as CNN Town Halls, CNN Heroes, and coverage of the United Nations General Assembly, further highlights her aptitude for shaping compelling narratives and driving meaningful conversations.
Melissa Mahtani’s unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence and her dedication to amplifying underrepresented voices make her an invaluable asset in the field of international journalism. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on the media landscape, inspiring others and shedding light on pressing global issues.
YUKSEL DURGUT, Journalist, International Journalists Association, Germany
Yuksel Durgut is a highly esteemed journalist and currently serves as the Spokesperson of the International Journalists Association. With a career that spans several decades, Mr. Durgut embarked on his journalistic journey in 1994 at Cihan News Agency. Recognized for his exceptional reporting skills, he has extensively covered conflicts as a war reporter across numerous countries, bringing crucial insights and stories to the forefront.
During his illustrious career, Yuksel Durgut held the position of bureau chief for Cihan in Pakistan and Afghanistan for nearly a decade. As a Political Science graduate, he possesses a deep understanding of the intricate dynamics of international affairs. Since 2018, Mr. Durgut has been residing in Germany, where he plays a vital role as the Editor-in-Chief of Journalist Post Magazine, a platform that showcases his expertise in foreign politics.
In addition to his impactful writing, Yuksel Durgut has authored several books that delve into captivating topics. His works include “I’m Listening to Istanbul,” “My Blue World,” “Istanbul from the Consuls’ Window,” “Sanctuaries of Istanbul from the Sky,” and most recently, “The Hope of Children” published in Germany. Furthermore, his passion for storytelling extends to the realm of documentaries, where he has produced compelling pieces for international television channels.
Yuksel Durgut’s unwavering commitment to journalism, combined with his vast experience and profound insights, have established him as a respected figure in the field. His dedication to shedding light on significant global issues through his writing and documentary work has made a lasting impact, cementing his position as a prominent journalist and contributor to the media landscape.