Armenia has a growing media industry, both state-owned and private – and considering its past as part of the non-democratic Soviet Union, huge strides have been made. According to Reporters Without Borders' World Press Index, Armenia is ranked 43rd out of 180 countries in press freedom. While there is no overall direct censorship, across society in this developing democracy there is a perceived need to introduce some form of regulation to address disinformation. This growing problem indeed afflicts most countries. In consultation with leading local media stakeholders, Armenia's parliament is proposing amendments to the country’s media laws to address this issue, based on the concept, widely accepted in the European Union, of self-regulation.
The Armenia Project - TAP will be hosting an event featuring key regional and international experts to discuss the implications of such a paradigm, for media and for society. Speakers will explore the potential usefulness of self-regulation in fostering democracy while maintaining and even enhancing journalistic integrity – the latter being critical in an era of social media-driven scepticism about established news platforms. The event will feature two-panel discussions where speakers will explore best practices for implementing self-regulation, focusing on the benefits and challenges.
Participants will engage in discussions about the lessons learned from the experiences of Ireland, Georgia, and other countries that have deployed this model, examining the standards and practices necessary for a successful application of self-regulatory mechanisms in Armenia.
Attendees can expect a dynamic exchange of ideas, and actionable insights.
AGENDA
Keynote speaker Jeanne Cavelier, Head of Eastern Europe & Central Asia Desk at Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF)
Panel 1: Can self-regulation work in local media? What legal framework is needed?
Moderator: Shawn McIntosh, M.A. Multiplatform Journalism Program Chair at AUA
Panelists:
Susan McKay, Irish Press Ombudsman
Nouneh Sarkissian, Managing Director at Media Initiatives Center
Marietta Mnatsakanyan, Legal-Expert at Center for Legislation Development Foundation of the Ministry of Justice of Armenia
Ara Ghazaryan, Media Lawyer
Panel 2: Can self-regulation address the disinformation challenge?
Moderator: Dan Perry, Communications professional & world affairs analyst
Panelists:
Corina Cepoi, Chief of Party, Media Program in Armenia, Internews
Mariam Gogosashvili, Former Executive Director of Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics
Seda Muradyan, President of Public Journalism Club & Media Expert
Andranik Shirinyan, Country Representative for Freedom House in Armenia
Language:
English, with simultaneous Armenian translation
To attend the event registration is required:
RSVP to tap@armeniaproject.org