13. 12. 2013

CSOs and media on the same tasks

Nis, December 12, 2013 (Local Press) - Common denominator of civil society organization (CSO) and media is proactive and controlling role in society. The topic of public discussion in Nis was how to overcome their mutual misunderstanding.

The Media Coalition, formed of five media organizations, Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia (NUNS), Association of Serbian journalists (UNS), Independent Journalists' Association of Vojvodina (NDNV), Association of Local Independent Media (Local Press) and Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) organized public discussion on topic "Partners or rivals- CSOs and media" on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at Media Center in Nis. During two and half hours of conversation with media, local CSOs from Nis, Leskovac and Kragujevac said that local media were natural allies to CSO organizations in their fight for better society and that, as opposed to national media, they do not strive to sensationalism.

Unlike them, national media are not interested in wider social role, which should contribute to democratization in society and affirm positive examples. In our society, CSO organizations, once called NGOs, have been considered for a long time traitors funded from abroad and media were used as tools for revenge. Therefore, the participants agreed it was very important to create a massive front line made up of CSOs and media (especially the ones not part of the public sector) with mutual techniques and platforms as basis to address citizens.

One of the most significant problems that were recognized is communication and mutual ignorance on how the other side operates. Education of the employed both in CSOs and media will contribute to breaking the existing barrier in placing information.  

During the public discussion, some concerning issues emerged like the disappearance of local media from media market and the influence of commercial programs on citizens. However, there were suggestions how to create more space for CSOs in the media. The message of the gathering was that successful cooperation needs constant reconsidering of mutual attitudes between media and CSOs in order to spread positive ideas and strengthen civil society.

Following people spoke at the gathering: Dragan Djordevic, Coordinator of network of board Chris, Vladimir Paunovic, President of the Management Board of NGO Millenium from Kragujevac, Milorad Mladenovic from Educational Center in Leskovac, Nedim Sejdinovic, Secretary General of NDNV from Novi Sad, Mladen Velojic, Director of Media Center and reform centers in Nis, Predrag Blagojevic, Editor in chief of online media "Juzne vesti" from Nis, and Ivana Petrovic, coowner and project manager of City Radio from Nis.

This was third public discussion, out of 12 planned by the project "Campaign for media literacy" realized by the support of USAID.

INVITATION only in Serbian