One of the things that I enjoy tmost about the CEU is the possibility to meet and discuss with practicing professionals. Moreover, in an atmosphere where there are no politically correct or wrong answers. This informal roundtable discussion was a perfect example of that.On October 31, we had the opportunity to meet Dunja Mijatović in the Gellner room. Dunja is OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media. This event was organized by the Center for Media and Communication Studies. This body of the OSCE deals with journalists’ safety and internet freedom. It can be called the only international media watchdog in the world because it monitors 57 countries. The OSCE members countries often refer to each other as club of democracies. However, Dunja Mijatović, in a very straightforward manner, pointed out that she often disagrees. In her opinion you cannot call yourself a democracy if you have issues with human rights compliance.
She stated that today Russia and Macedonia are her two greatest worries. However, Dunja Mijatović also highlighted that Western countries, who are old democracies and have old traditions with the press, are no longer the perfect role models either. For example, the United Kingdom’s new press self-regulation body is a serious set-back to media freedom in the country in the opinion of Dunja Mijatović.
The participants laughed when Dunja pointed out that she always has to return to her strongest tool: Shaming. She thinks that this is more effective than silent diplomacy and has more measurable outcomes. She joked that when the last representative left and she came into office, many diplomats were praising that with her a polite lady had arrived. This has not happened and Dunja laughed that now diplomats want the old representative back.
It was surprising to hear that her team does not make a show when they have freed confined journalists. In a sense it would be a good advertisement for their body to increase media attention. Yet, they are trying to have a profile as low as possible because they maybe just have to go back at one point. So it does make sense to maintain cordial relationships with diplomats and countries.
Just some of the discussion topics from the informal roundtable were outlined here. For me this was one of the most interesting afternoons that I have had in the CEU. I strongly encourage other students to join this kind of events in the future. Besides that, CMCS usually offer snacks for the hungry students and the food is simply super delicious.
More Information on Dunja Mijatović and the OSCE can be found on OSCE's home page.
During the semster the Center for Media and Communication Studies hosts a lunchtime "Media and Change Discussion Series" on a regularly (usually biweekly) basis. Topics and dates can be found here: www.cmcs.ceu.hu.
Karl Haljasmets
Estonia
Public Policy
Photo: www.osce.org
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