“What is the difference between an ordinary journalist and a citizen journalist? The same as a hired soldier from a volunteer at the front”
The series of materials about the Working Groups operating in EENCE in 2021 continues the acquaintance with the leaders of the group “Civil Journalism as a tool for the formation and development of civil Society” Tatyana Kuznetsova and Valery Balayan (Ukraine).
Last year, the founders of the group implemented the project “Promoting democratic Citizenship through e-learning in the field of history and human rights” within the Network, and now they have decided to continue the activities started within its framework.
Citizen journalism is the only embodiment of a free press, according to Tatiana and Valery.
Independent citizen journalism appeared in the post-Soviet space at a critical time for the countries of the region.
Valery Balayan: What is the difference between an ordinary journalist and a citizen journalist? The same as the difference between a hired soldier and a volunteer at the front.
A citizen journalist is not paid for his work, and his only goal is reliable coverage of events, protection of society through the media space-say the leaders of the group and add that today civil journalism is underground journalism.
– What distinguishes a citizen journalist?
– A characteristic feature of a citizen journalist is acting in accordance with the code of ethics of a journalist, voluntary, unbiased, honest coverage of events, protecting the interests of society, and stabilizing the information chaos.
Who are the members of your group?
– These are professional journalists, teachers of higher education in the field of journalism, bloggers, and just civil activists and journalists.
How do you see the purpose of the group’s work?
– We would like to achieve coordination and close interaction between citizen journalists in our countries, organize joint intercultural communication and design common projects in the field of citizen journalism.
In 2021, Tatyana Kuznetsova and Valery Balayan plan to hold several joint conferences and trainings on practical skills necessary for every citizen journalist, and to create a practical seminar on streaming and video blogging within the group.
Tatyana Kuznetsova
Doctor of Science in Social Communications, Professor, Head of the Board of the public organization “Youth Center for Effective Communications”. Dean of the Faculty of Journalism of the National University “Odessa Law Academy”.
Member of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, media expert. Organizer of the International Youth Festival of social Advertising “Another view” (2010-2020). Head of the project of adult civic education “Open University” (Odessa).
Valery Balayan
Russian and Ukrainian film director and screenwriter.
Member of the Union of Cinematographers of the Russian Federation and Ukraine, member of the Union of Journalists of the Russian Federation and Ukraine.
Member of the Guild of Film dramatist of Russia.
Member of the Guild of Film Directors of Russia.
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