Author: Georgi Kalatozishvili, Tbilisi, exclusively to VK
The second day of discussions in the framework of the Russian-Georgian School of Journalism being held these days in Tbilisi proved that this form of communication is useful not only for understanding between the media of the two countries, but also in terms of exchange of experience, knowledge, and even joint intellectual creativity. No speech in the session on the delicate issue of the relationship between business, power and the media can be called stereotyped, lacking innovation or the ability of having an original understanding of the problem. The tone of the discussion was set by a producer of radio "Mayak", Gia Saralidze, speaking on "Is the existence of "clean money "possible in journalism, and are the media able to maintain their independence from the government?"
"The professionalism of journalists is the number one problem,” political analyst and journalist Nana Devdariani says. “There are anecdotal cases when colleagues ask for mobile number of the artist Yelena Akhvlediani who died in 1975 or of a playwright who died earlier - at the end of the 18th century. In general, journalism is the most personal profession. No wonder there is an opinion that the journalist has the right to be subjective. The majority is not always right. If you ask an audience how Desdemona died, most will tell you that Othello strangled her. In fact, Othello stabbed her, not strangled. But because of a talentless actor this scene from Shakespeare's work (which never allowed such errors) has been changed. Thus, a cliche was created. A cliche is a very dangerous thing. The government's attitude to the media depends on the journalists themselves. Saakashvili did not favor us, but now, after losing the election, things have changed: if we come to his residence, he will not reject a request for an interview. Certainly media are a business, but this is a business with a particular social role, value and responsibility. "
"Our magazine is somehow considered to be a pro-Kremlin publication, despite the fact that we often criticize the authorities,” political editor of the journal "Expert" Nikolai Silaev said. In Russian journalism alarming processes have developed: the total circulation of the printed media is rapidly shrinking, as well as the political weight of the media. It seems that the media in Russia have success, but where is the money? Who pays? Are there many independent companies that can fund independent media? Loans are not available to them, and they cannot develop in the conditions of non-ideal justice. "Echo of Moscow" is a modern version of the "Literary Gazette" of the Soviet era. The most liberal Russian radio station is owned by "Gazprom". It is disturbing that in Russia the domestic sphere of journalism has reduced, because it creates less and less news. For the same reason, political parties are not very interesting. The social environment powerfully influences journalists, imposing its values on them."
"The internet has become a major threat to journalism. Freedom is transformed into unprofessionalism and irresponsibility,” director of the Center for Contemporary Politics Sergei Mikheev says. “The quality of the texts is being dramatically reduced. The new principle of journalism is as follows: "My emotions are the criterion of truth." Everyone writes about everything, including about anything unknown to them: science, politics, economics, and so on. The internet seems to be completely free, but in reality it is much easier to manage it than other media. On the internet it is quite easy to launch information campaigns, creating the appearance of mass effect."
Discussion of this complex issue proved how primitive and unfounded the fears of those who believed that the Russian-Georgian School of Journalism was "a platform for Kremlin propaganda" were. In fact, the exchange of views confirmed common core values of the Georgian and Russian parties for protecting the freedom and the dignity of journalism. Political scientist and journalist Nana Devdariani noted this in an interview to VK.
- Nana, why, in your opinion, has the meeting of the Russian and Georgian experts at the School of Journalism caused such anxiety on the part of certain circles in Georgia?
- There were a lot of journalism meetings in various formats. We met several times with colleagues from Armenia and Azerbaijan, Abkhaz and Ossetian journalists. But somehow, the issue of the feasibility of such events is discussed only in connection with the Russian-Georgian meetings. Whether someone likes it or not, there are a lot of topics to cover both for us and for Russian journalists. If there are no such meetings, then, in isolation from each other, we will make a lot of mistakes. So, a direct dialogue is absolutely necessary. I'm not talking about how what is happening in Russia is seen by us. It is one thing to watch from the outside, and quite another when you can speak on this subject with colleagues directly. Similarly, it is important for the Russians. The information obtained from the media can never replace direct communication. During this communication there is always an opportunity to ask questions, including on the journalistic community, and get a qualified answer. This is absolutely necessary. Such a dialogue should be regular. There is the organization "Doctors without Borders", and journalists should also work without borders.
- Do you enjoy the very form of communication of the school of journalism?
- Absolutely. This is not a permanent school but seminars that are held for a few days. And the school is held for both sides. There is a problem of lack of knowledge, including as a result and in view of recent events. We are writing our point of view, the Russians – their point of view. You know what that is like? During the Soviet period, the central television program "Time" showed a subject that was unpleasant for us, and we replied to it here, on local television. But this is utter nonsense! There is no result of mediated communication. We should communicate directly! This is the only way to get results. And the Russian-Georgian school is an excellent platform for communication.
