Plenary session at Media Forum, Dec. 2023

Fulbright Update
Media Forum spotlights Russian disinformation tactics, goals
The big event of the media calendar year, the Moldova Media Forum, inspired and informed journalists and journalism educators from throughout the region last month.

For me, the highlight was an enlightening presentation on Russian disinformation tactics and motives from Marian Voicu, a TV journalist and fact checker (Verdica.ro) from Romania.

I also gave a presentation on peace journalism. More on that in a moment.

Citing several studies and numerous examples, Voicu talked about Russia’s disinformation goals in eastern Europe. These include weakening Ukraine’s ability to sustain the war; convincing Romania to leave EU and NATO; portraying Ukraine and NATO as American puppets; and spreading the narrative that the West is trying to conquer Russia using Ukraine as a tool.

Marian Voicu, on Russian (and American) disinfo

Interesting as well were studies cited by Voicu that show that Russia aims to sew Euro-skepticism in eastern Europe by portraying the west as pro-homosexual (and thus, against “traditional values”); by showing that multiculturalism leads to societal decay; and by portraying democracies as inherently weak and in need of strong leaders like Putin, who is portrayed as a ”real man,” according to Voicu, who gave the audience a great deal to think, and worry, about.

Other sessions included one about the media market in Moldova, where panelists from media houses and government regulators agreed on the need for more sustainable funding, and more transparency when it comes to funding sources. Another expertly moderated panel (by the Independent Journalism Center’s Anastasia Nani) considered the problem of restoring trust in media. Several speakers on this panel and others underscored the need for more investigative journalism here in Moldova as a way to build credibility and thus trust. The need for quality journalism that eschews “cutting and pasting” from other sources and embraces strict ethics was also mentioned as a key to building trust.

At the forum, the international media NGO Freedom House also released its 2023 report on freedom of information in Moldova. The index this year shows improvement over the past two years thanks to a new media law that brings access to information regulations up to international standards in Moldova. But the report notes that there’s still a long way to go here in terms of transparent information, including government websites, and access to information upon request.

Releasing the Freedom House report

My presentation, Peace Journalism: Principles and Applications, was well attended. About half were Russian speakers, meaning that I had to navigate three languages even though I speak only two (English and Romanian). At any rate, the audience was energetic and didn’t hesitate to ask questions—qualities I always love. The most animated discussion was about peace journalism and war, and how the principles I laid out might apply in practice.

The forum opened with speeches by Moldovan President Maia Sandu and US Ambassador Kent Logsdon about the importance of a vibrant, free press in Moldova.

Media Forum was sponsored by the Independent Journalism Center, Association of Independent Press in Moldova, and the Association of Electronic Press. I appreciate the invitation to participate in the event from the sponsors of my session, the UN Peacebuilding Fund and the offices in Moldova of the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights, the UN Development Program, and UN Women. I hope to continue collaborating with my UN colleagues in 2024.

See you next year!
I'm taking a little break now for the holidays. Peace Journalism Insights will return in January with new blogs about my misadventures in Moldova and elsewhere. May you have a joyous holiday season.

Fulbright Update:
Centrul Media gathers Media Campers for reunion in Chisinau

I continue to be tremendously impressed by Moldova’s young people.

Alex Mocanu, addressing media camp reunion

I’ve had a chance to meet some great youngsters diligently working on community improvement projects through Interact (Rotary for high school students), as well as at least a hundred of high school age students engaged in media projects through the Centrul Media pentru Tineri (CMT-youth media center).

Some of the most dedicated CMT students gathered on a recent Saturday in Chisinau for a reunion of those who had attended Media Camp last summer. These 24 youngsters were from throughout Moldova, and represented the best of their communities.

I had a chance to address the energized and energizing group about peace media, and disinformation. It seemed like there was nothing the students didn’t know about disinformation, including its definition, how and why it is spread, and how to combat it. I was impressed. I gave them an exercise where they had to circle unverified information or disinformation, and underline phrases that damage peace. The students passed this test with flying colors, identifying each offending word and phrase, and offering precise analysis of why this constituted disinformation or impeded peace. The exercise is below—give it a try yourself.

I wrapped up my CMT activities this semester a few days later with a peace media presentation to students in Cimislia.

I can’t wait to work with CMT students, and my wonderful CMT colleagues, again in 2024.

Exercise:
This script is for a podcast segment that spreads disinformation and exacerbates conflict. Read this script. Circle anything that is possible disinformation (and things that need to be fact checked), and underline anything that contributes to conflict. You may circle and underline the same content if necessary.

Narration
Moldova is abandoning its Russian speaking population, admits a Moldovan government spokesman.

Media Campers gathered in Chisinau

Spokesman Petru Roibu, in a statement, implied that by joining the EU, Russian speakers will be denied opportunities to work in government jobs. He said at least a working knowledge of Moldovan will be necessary for future government work.

Academic studies show that Moldovan speakers already outnumber Russian speakers in government jobs by a 4 to 1 ratio.

“This problem is going to get much worse in the EU,” stated Alexandra Mutu in her office in Comrat.

Also, local Russian speaking leaders are worried that under the EU, central government funds will stop flowing to Gagauzia and other Russian speaking regions. “The government already spends more on Chisinau than Comrat,” Alexandra Mutu noted.

It is no wonder all Russian speakers oppose the move to the EU, given the oppression that will follow Moldova’s joining this U.S.-led group.

Fulbright Update:
Conference connects Moldovan, Romanian academics
It’s always interesting getting together with colleagues to hear about their research. It’s interesting, and challenging, to do this when the academic presentation are all in Romanian.

Such was the case at the recent conference at the State University of Moldova titled, “Integration through research and innovation.” (The title is snappier in Romanian). Participants were from Iasi and Bucharest, Romania; the State University of Moldova; and the US (me).

In the journalism/communications section, 13 presenters gave interesting information on a wide range of topics, including advertising agencies in Moldova, reality TV, women’s roles in mass media in Romania, and communication’s relationship to regional politics.

I was especially riveted by a discussion by Madalina Mororu from the University of Bucharest (Romania) about social media influencers, a phenomenon that’s always puzzled me. She discussed the roles of female social media influencers as marketing/brand boosters, as well as their utilization of a ‘slice of life’ storytelling format.

I also liked the interesting framework/coding sheet used by researchers looking at social media. This framework included examining the type of conflict covered in the message, whether the information in the message was verified before dissemination, and whether it was rational or emotional. I especially appreciate that last one, which I consider to be the top litmus test for fake news: did it make you angry?

My presentation was short, introducing peace journalism, then discussing how it’s principles might apply to coverage of the Israel-Gaza and Ukraine-Russia wars. Even though I was the last presenter after a long day, my peers had many good questions for me, including whether audiences used to sensationalism will embrace peace journalism. The answer: yes, they will. Indeed, according to research by Prof. Jake Lynch, audiences actually prefer peace journalism approaches.

Two of my colleagues were so interested in peace journalism that they asked me to appear this fall via zoom in their classes, and next spring in person to speak and interact with their students. Bucharest, here I come.

The event was topped off with a relaxed, interesting lunch with my colleagues.

 

Fulbright Update:
Thanksgiving at ambassador's fends off homesickness
In all the times I’ve lived abroad, I’ve only missed Thanksgiving once, in 2010. I was in Uganda, and the day was really miserable—a rural hotel somewhere eating cassava, which I don’t much like, washed down with a warm beer. Worst of all, it was hard being away from my family and friends.

Thanksgiving at ambassador's residence

Because of my Fulbright in Moldova, I experienced my second Thanksgiving away from home last week. On Thanksgiving day, I was mopey and lonely, and missed my family terribly. I worked most of the day to take my mind off of my isolation. But I did have a great dinner (seafood Tom Yum soup, homemade spring rolls).

However, the following day, the holiday was saved by the U.S. Ambassador to Moldova and his wonderful staff. They hosted two Fulbright scholars and six Fulbright English teaching assistants, and a few others, for a traditional American holiday meal. Everything was really excellent—moist Turkey, plenty of sage in the stuffing, and pumpkin pie with crust to die for. I’ve eaten at ambassadors’ residences before, and always think it’s cool to dine off of the china that features the seal of the United States. Even the gravy boat had this official seal.

Ambassador Kent Logsdon and his wife Michelle are warm, gracious hosts. It was great chatting with them. The ambassador has relatives in Kansas City, so it was nice to reminisce about KC, including barbeque and the giant shuttlecocks at the Nelson Atkins Museum.

The highlight of my night was catching up with the young Fulbright English teaching assistants. Brimming with energy and joie de vivre, it’s always fun hearing about their adventures.

Thanks to Kent and Michelle Logsdon, their staff, and my colleagues for a wonderful evening.

Fulbright Update:
In Soroca, applying peace journalism to young content creators
If you’ve been following my misadventures here in Moldova, you’ll know that I crashed and burned during my first attempt to teach peace journalism to a group of secondary school students. My presentation was too stiff, formal, and academic. (See previous blog for all the gory details). 

I was given a second chance by my colleagues at the Centrul Media pentru Tineri (youth media center), which organizes these fantastic workshops. This time, at a workshop in Soroca, I believe I did a much better job of connecting with the energetic youngsters.

CMT youth media/peace media seminar, Soroca

The key to my less-embarrassing presentation was shifting the focus slightly away from peace journalism (which is more applicable to those studying or practicing journalism) to peace media, a term I coined that more closely connects with the experiences of this youth group, and indeed media creators and consumers of all ages.

I defined Peace Media as  “When content creators, media consumers, and social media users make choices that can create an environment (online and in person) more conducive to peace.” This made it more applicable to and personal for the students, who after all create, consume, and disseminate/share information daily (hourly?), especially on social media.

The students and I then discussed the choices that they, as creators, consumers, and disseminators, can make that create an atmosphere more conducive to peace. These three choices regard:

1. Framing—How you tell the story. Peace framing is telling or sharing stories in a way that doesn’t sensationalize, glorify, or encourage violence, or present violence as the only alternative to conflict.
2. Word choices—Words matter. They can make angry people angrier, spread hate, stereotype, spread disinformation, further divide people (polarize), and make peaceful interactions less possible.
3. Image choices—The videos and pictures that students take, use, and share matter. Bad or fake images can mislead or confuse. Bloody, sensational images can create strong negative emotions, or can exploit and re-victimize those who have been traumatized.

CMT's Alex Ghetan opens the Soroca seminar

These concepts were derived from peace journalism, which discusses the choices journalists make, but were re-framed in a way that was more relevant to the student’s lives and experiences.

I finished my lesson with an exercise where the students edited a Tik Tok-style script to remove non-peaceful words, images (from a shot list), and framing.

The students seemed genuinely enthusiastic about this task, and seemed to take to heart my plea to take peace into account as they engage with media.

I appreciate the opportunities Centrul Media pentru Tineri has given me to work with young people, and look forward to my next road trip with the CMP team.

 

Fulbright Update:
Even at young age, kids regularly exposed to hate speech

We know that kids are exposed to hate speech. Still, it’s jarring to hear them talk about it.

At the Orizont Lyceum recently, I discussed the nature of hate speech, and how to mitigate it, with two classes—one 7th grade, and other 5th grade.

Student discussion: Is it hate speech?

Both classes had a good grasp of the nature of hate speech. gave them the definition of hate speech as “Any kind of communication in speech, writing or behavior, that attacks or uses pejorative or discriminatory language with reference to a person or a group on the basis of who they are, in other words, based on their religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, color, descent, gender or other identity
factor.” (UN).

We also discussed whether the following example constitutes hate speech:

“Valeriu and Ana are science lab partners. After school, Ana sees a posted message online from Valeriu that says, ‘My lab results are Ana are not correct. Girls are so dumb at science.’” We agreed that this is hate speech that stereotypes girls, although a few of the boys used the example to have some fun at the expense of their female classmates. (“Are we sure that’s not true,” several boys said, laughing, knowing that it is certainly not.)

Then, the students shared many examples of hate speech that they’ve encountered online, especially on social media and on gaming platforms. This speech included racist and sexist comments, hateful comments directed at Russian speakers, and denigrating language overall.

We also discussed the motives behind hate speech. The students were right on target when they cited jealousy, anger, hatred, and wanting to get attention as motivations behind such speech.

The students had fun with the exercise I gave them. In groups of 2 or 3, they discussed whether some example statements were or were not hate speech, and why. We all agreed that such statements as “All Roma are thieves,” “Girls aren’t as smart as boys in math,” and “Wives should obey their husbands” are clearly denigrating and possibly hate speech. They weren’t so sure about statements like “President Biden is a bad president” and “Moldova shouldn’t join the EU.” I opined that neither is hate speech in my view since they are political statements stated neutrally. Now, if the statement was, “Biden is a bad president because he is too old, and old people aren’t smart or alert enough to be president,” then that would constitute hate speech.

Fifth graders, Orizont school

I finished with advice on how the students can make a difference by combating hate speech. They can do this by questioning the person posting the hate speech ("I don't get it, what did you mean by that?"); directly confronting the hateful comment; changing the subject; getting a screenshot to report what they’ve seen; and choosing not to like or share hateful comments. After all, if the offenders are seeking attention, one of the best tools we have is to deny them what they crave by not liking, sharing, or commenting. I told the students it’s their responsibility to speak out when they see hate speech. They agreed.

It was wonderful being back at Orizont. (See blog about my previous visit). I love the kids, and the time I spend with them is fun, energizing, and gratifying. I can’t wait for my next visit.

Fulbright Update:
IRC event explores the question, Why does Moldova matter?

What's happening in Moldova, and why does Moldova matter? At the gracious invitation of the International Relations Council of Kansas City (IRC), I endeavored to answer these questions during a recent webinar.

I started with a map of Moldova, and discussed its precarious situation, bordered on three sides by Ukraine, as well as by a breakaway region, Transnistria, that menacingly hosts 1,500 Russian troops. So far, I noted, those troops haven’t moved since the Ukraine war started, either to attack Ukraine or Moldova. I also noted that Moldova is very polarized, with a Romanian speaking majority that is generally pro-West and pro-EU, and a minority speaking Russian who are anti-EU and pro-Russia. For example, a recent poll showed that 21% of Moldovans say Russia was justified to invade Ukraine, while  31% believe Russia “guarantees peace” in Moldova (Seed/USAID, 2022).

We then discussed the Ukraine-Russia war’s many impacts on Moldova, the first of which is energy. Moldova has been traditionally dependent on Russian gas, so when the Russians cut off Moldova's gas (for supporting Ukraine), it lead to blackouts and brownouts in 2022, and steep price increases (because the European energy they buy now is much more expensive) that made energy unaffordable for many Moldovans. According to UNDP, 60% of Moldovans live in 'energy poverty,' meaning they spend more than 10% of their income on energy bills.

The refugees generated by the war have also had a substantial impact on Moldova. Moldova currently houses more refugees per capita than any other country, according to the International Centre for Migration Policy Development. With a population of 2.6 million, the country is home to 119,000 refugees as of 3 October, 2023. Border crossings from Ukraine since 24 February 2022 number 952,819, according to UNHCR.

I also mentioned how Russian disinformation is targeting Moldova. In a comprehensive report called Blurring the Truth, the Konrad Adanauer Foundation says that Moldova is especially vulnerable to disinformation because it is polarized and has many Russian language media consumers. The themes of this disinformation are essentially anti-EU and pro-Russia, characterizing the West at warmongers, and warning that embracing the West means rejecting "traditional" pro-family values, and embracing pro-LGBTQ values.

In concluding, I summarized that Moldova is at a crossroads. The country is on track for EU membership in 2030, if all the EU requirements are met. Will Moldova continue on the path to a prosperous future, or will it take an eastward turn instead, taking a road back into the Soviet era and into the waiting arms of a Russia eager to manipulate and exploit it? 2.6 million Moldovan lives, as well as security and stability throughout eastern Europe, are at stake. USAID has pumped $640 million in aid to Moldova since 1992, so the U.S. has a financial stake here, too.

The Q and A session was lively and interesting. One participant asked how Moldova can consider itself a democratic country, yet still ban an opposition political party. My response was that this party, called Sor after it’s pro-Russian founder, operated illegally, both by accepting foreign contributions from Russia, and by illegally bribing voters and election officials. Another question asked about Moldova’s potential for tourism. I said that, once the Ukraine war ends, this potential is enormous. The country is very pretty, the wine is great, the capital Chisinau is cosmopolitan, and the rural areas perfect for cultural tourism that highlights this region’s traditional charms. One questioner asked what I thought the Russian troops in Transnistria would do, and my answer was, essentially, nothing. In the big picture of the Ukraine war, 1,500 troops aren’t much, and they better serve Russian interests by staying put and menacing Moldova.

I always love these IRC events because of the high level of discourse, and thus look forward to my next invitation at the IRC.

 

 

 

Fulbright Update:
Journalism school teambuilding interactive, fun, useful
When I was invited to a teambuilding weekend retreat with students and colleagues from the Moldova Journalism School, I had mixed reactions.

Costesti resort, Moldova

I was curious to see what this was all about, and also to experience the Costesti resort on a pretty lake about 30 minutes from Chisinau. I did have some trepidations, however. As team building, I wondered how much I would get out of the event. And I was worried that my crummy Romanian would be insufficient for me to fully participate.

The Costesti resort was the perfect venue for our group from the Moldova Journalism School, which is not a part of the university but rather a separate academy that offers a 6-month crash course in journalism for those a bit older. The weather was perfect—mid 80’s in mid-October, unseasonably warm. The setting was great, as was the food—lots of fresh fish, which I love.

Teambuilding session

The teambuilding sessions were fun,  interactive, and useful—games designed to get us to cooperate in teams to complete a task of some sort. We also had a session where we read proverbs off of cards, then discussed what they meant to us. My card, translated, read that it’s difficult to acquire wisdom in a life without a little craziness. I said that I disagree with this statement since it takes more than a little craziness to become wise. Based on their feedback, the Scoala team found left the weekend feeling more connected with one another.

My favorite part of the weekend was the after-dinner gab session on Saturday night, when we discussed a little of everything, including media and the Israel-Hamas war. It was nice to learn more about the students and about my fellow instructors, none of whom I had met before the retreat. I hope to collaborate further with these professionals, one of whom told me harrowing stories about reporting from Ukraine.

My Romanian was adequate, barely. I understand pretty well, and read my card without help. I still struggle to say what I want to say. It’s frustrating trying to communicate complex ideas with a fourth grade vocabulary (with apologies to Moldovan fourth graders). I am improving, but not nearly fast enough for someone who is allegedly intelligent.

It was a weekend well spent, and makes me anxious for my next lesson to the students at the school of journalism.

 

NOTE: This is the first of occasional bi-lingual blogs I'll be posting. The English is on top, si versiunea in Romana (Romanian) este mai jos.

Fulbright Update:
Team saves the day with exemplary sessions for Ungheni youth
The essence of team is to help one another out even of one of the members is struggling.

Recently in Ungheni, Moldova, I was fortunate to have a great team of trainers from the Centrul Media pentru Tineri  to pick me up when I stumbled.

Natalia Strogoteanu

Our CMT (Youth Media Center) team was in Ungheni recently training 26 young people on media, including social media, peace journalism, and video production.

My session on peace journalism  was, to put it charitably, mediocre. It was too stiff, too academic, and not participatory enough for 15-18 year old youngsters.

Fortunately, the other sessions were outstanding, breaking the kids of the stupor that I induced.

Natalia Strogoteanu led an interesting discussion about navigating the Internet, and about the competencies involved in media education, including access, analysis, reflection, and action. Natalia and the students talked about online sources and their reliability. It was great to see the way she connected with the students. She’s a natural.

Gabriel Encev

Then, Gabriel Encev discussed and demonstrated the basics of videography, including rule of thirds, lighting, subject framing, and so on. He also discussed and showed examples of video storytelling. Gabriel is also a natural.

After this, the students broke into four groups, each of which planned, shot, edited, and posted a 1-minute Tik Tok-style video touting the benefits Ungheni Youth Center, which hosted our training. The students loved doing this, and produced some fascinating videos.

As we concluded, the students thanked Gabriel, Natalia, and team leader Alexandru Ghetan (another natural) for an outstanding training, which it was, but no thanks to me.

On the trip home, I promised my CMT colleagues that I’d drastically improve my segment of the next training, which will be in Soroca. I’ve got nowhere to go but up.

Students plan their video shoot in Ungheni

In Romana
Esenta unei echipe este să se ajute reciproc, chiar dacă unul dintre membri are dificultăți.

Recent, în Ungheni, Moldova, am avut norocul să am o echipă excelentă de formatori din Centrul Media pentru Tineri care m-au ajutat când am dat greș. Echipa noastră de la CMT (Centrul Media pentru Tineri) a fost în Ungheni pentru a forma 26 de tineri în domeniul media, inclusiv social media, jurnalism pentru pace și producție video.

Sesiunea mea despre jurnalismul pentru pace a fost, să fim caritativi, mediocră. A fost prea rigidă, prea academică și prea puțin participativă pentru tinerii cu vârste între 15 și 18 ani.

În mod fericit, celelalte sesiuni au fost remarcabile, scoțându-i pe tineri din amorțeala pe care am indus-o. Natalia Strogoteanu a condus o discuție interesantă despre navigarea pe internet și competențele implicate în educația media, inclusiv accesul, analiza, reflecția și acțiunea. Natalia și studenții au discutat despre sursele online și fiabilitatea lor. A fost minunat să văd modul în care s-a conectat cu studenții. Este o natură.

Apoi, Gabriel Encev a discutat și a demonstrat aspectele de bază ale videografiei, inclusiv regula treimilor, iluminarea, încadrarea subiectului și așa mai departe. A discutat și a arătat exemple de povestire video. Gabriel este, de asemenea, o natură.

După aceasta, studenții s-au împărțit în patru grupuri, fiecare dintre ele a planificat, filmat, editat și a postat un videoclip de 1 minut în stil Tik Tok pentru a promova beneficiile Centrului pentru Tineret Ungheni, care a găzduit formarea noastră. Studenții s-au distrat făcând asta și au produs câteva videoclipuri fascinante. Pe măsură ce am încheiat, studenții le-au mulțumit lui Gabriel, Natalia și liderului echipei, Alexandru Ghetan (încă o persoană natură) pentru o formare excelentă, ceea ce a fost, dar fără contribuția mea.

În timpul călătoriei spre casă, le-am promis colegilor mei de la CMT că îmi voi îmbunătăți semnificativ partea mea din următoarea formare, care va avea loc în Soroca. Nu am încotro decât să merg în sus.

--Translated using ChatGPT

 

 

 

Fulbright Update:
Event explores complexity of Israel-Hamas journalism
As I embarked on my year-long Fulbright here, I anticipated talking about war and media, given that Moldova borders Ukraine on three sides. What no one could have anticipated, however, was another horrible conflict.

Media coverage of this latest war, between Israel and Hamas, was the focus of a panel discussion “The Israel - Gaza Conflict: What Journalists Covering War Should Know” organized by the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) last Thursday on Zoom.

Multimedia journalist Michael Lipin, who covers international affairs as a Voice of America (VOA) bridge editor, joined me as a panelist. Lipin produces and hosts VOA's weekly podcast, Flashpoint Iran. He also has done multiple assignments in Israel, interviewing senior political and military figures about Israel-Iran tensions as well as the 2018 visits of U.S. President Donald Trump to Jerusalem.

Top-ICFJ moderator Paul Adepoju, me;
Bottom-Michael Lipin, VOA

Lipin discussed his extensive experience in the region with the 64 attendees, and the approaches he uses when reporting. His current focus is on Iran, and he used this to emphasize the  importance of offering a wider, contextual perspective about the situation in the region, given Iran’s impact and influence on Hamas and Hezbollah. Lipin also mentioned the significance of language, including the sensitive nature of the term “terrorism.” During the Q and A, we also discussed if and when we should use the word “genocide.”

I began my presentation by pointing out the many characteristics Lipin’s approach shares with peace journalism. Then, I offered peace journalism as a different way of reporting and thinking about the war. I gave an overview of peace journalism, then discussed some questions that peace journalists would ask about Israel-Hamas war coverage. These questions are:

1. Does the coverage present all victims as worthy? Are all innocent lives valued equally in storytelling? Are all those traumatized treated with empathy and sensitivity, or re-traumatized? And, are the voices of victims, including those displaced, heard?

2. Do the stories and images accurately portray suffering on all sides? Or, is the suffering shown 98% “ours” and 2% “theirs”? And, is “their” suffering sanitized (e.g. long shots of bombings, but no close ups of carnage)?

3. Is the coverage contextual? Does it explain, but not excuse, the attack by Hamas? Is the blockade mentioned? Is Hamas’ commitment to destroying Israel mentioned?

4. Are media disseminating only factual, verified information and images? Are images used authentic? Is propaganda unwittingly being circulated in mainstream news platforms and on social media?

5. Does coverage generalize, stereotype, scapegoat, and demonize “them”?

6. Is there any discussion of peace, or peaceful alternatives to war, no matter how remote they seem? Are peacemakers given a voice? Or, is peace simply mentioned in passing, and summarily dismissed?

7.  What are the consequences of the reporting? Does it make angry people angrier? Empower warmongers? Does it make peace less possible? Is it polarizing? Does it glamorize or glorify war? In sum, does it pour gasoline on the fire?

8. On social media, are journalists actively combating falsehoods about the Israel-Hamas war, no matter which side they might seem to benefit? Are they “pre-bunking” anticipated themes of disinformation?

9. Is the coverage biased? Does it simplify the situation into “good guys vs. bad guys? Are voices heard from only one side?

10. Is the coverage sensational, in both language and images? Are bloody, horrifying images used because they’re needed to tell the story, or are they used instead as click bait? Are images and storytelling emotionally exploitative?

Then, I led attendees through newspaper front pages of the initial Hamas attack, discussing whether these represent peace journalism.

I concluded my presentation by noting that in times of war, journalists are pushed to their professional and ethical limits. In these times, I think it’s valuable to step back, take a breath, and examine how we report, and the consequences of that reporting. Peace journalism provides a valuable means for that self-reflection.

During the Q and A, we were asked if we prefer calling this conflict the "Israel-Gaza war" or the "Israel-Hamas war." Both Lipin and I agreed that the latter is the best choice, given that it more accurately reflects the conflict. 

Resources:

ICJF’s page of tips for reporters covering the Israel-Hamas war

Michael Lipin’s profile page on VOA

 

 

 

Fulbright Update:
In charming Cahul, a day well spent with English students
The audiences for my presentations and lectures are usually media, communications, and journalism students. So it was an interesting challenge to address a different crowd in Cahul, Moldova, in the southern part of the country.

State University, Cahul

The participants, a mix of English learners at the Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu State University, seemed to be responsive to my presentation about media and peace journalism, and, implicitly, their role as media consumers.

We discussed the use of images from conflict zones, and when and if it’s appropriate to show bloody, horrifying images. The students were squeamish about this, opting for a virtual ban on these images. I never say never, and believe sometimes horrifying images need to be shown (e.g. Alan Kurdi, the little Syrian boy who’s body washed ashore in Turkey 8 years ago). 

Students analyze content for peace journalism

We also discussed local coverage of the Ukraine war. The students opined that this coverage depends on “who you’re listening to.” Romanian language and European coverage is very pro-Ukraine, while Russian language coverage is propaganda filled, and of course pro-Russia. Drastically imbalanced coverage, I suggested, does audiences a disservice.

There was also an excellent question asking if I knew the number of practicing peace journalists in the U.S. or worldwide. Alas, I responded, no such data exists, to my knowledge. In individual organizations like the Cameroon Community Media Network or the Media Association for Peace in Lebanon, yes, they have membership numbers. But we in the peace journalism field need a big fat grant (anyone have a loose $100,000 laying around?) to adequately finance a study that would answer this important question.

I have been invited back to give another presentation in the spring. I will happily accept this invitation because I enjoyed visiting with the students and because I loved Cahul, which appropriately rhymes with cool. It’s a charming little town, with a comfy park, tree lined streets, and a small town European vibe. I’m already looking forward to my return visit.

Central Park and cathedral, Cahul

 

Fulbright Update:
Moldova's National Wine Day: My strictly academic experiences
As a strictly academic exercise designed to satisfy my curiosity as an amateur sociologist, I attended the National Wine Days (Ziua Nationala a Vinului) celebration last weekend in Chisinau.

The two day event featured 95 wine vendors, along with food, music, and shopping.

A ticket to the event bought you 12 wine tastings—maybe ¼ of a glass each. Of course, regulation glasses and bottles of wine were for sale as well. As an academic research project, and to fulfill my role as cultural ambassador here in Moldova, I thought the right thing to do would be to purchase a ticket (about $12).

I know nothing about wine, except that I like it dry. I made it a point to try wines from small wineries, those I haven’t heard of or tasted in the past. I liked all the samples I tried, especially the dry roses and whites.

The highlight of the event, for me at least, wasn’t even the wine—it was the terrific entertainment. Bands, singing groups, and dancers entertained the thousands present from a main stage from noon-ish until well into the evening each day. I loved the music—upbeat, traditional, fun, eminently danceable. The musicians used a variety of instruments, including violins, accordions, dulcimers, pan flutes, and so on. It was fun watching the crowd get into it, dancing with themselves, fake conducting the orchestra, and singing along. The attendees danced in large circles, holding hands and swirling rhythmically in an almost dizzying display.

While I try to be a polite, appreciative cultural ambassador here in Moldova, my politeness did not extend to dancing. Between the wine and my general ineptitude, had I “danced,” the wreckage I wrought might’ve created an international incident.

I was, however, a better cultural ambassador when it came to the food, which was quintessentially Moldovan—friptura (grilled meats) of lamb, pork, chicken, rabbit, and a small bird of some kind (quail?), served alongside lots of fresh, tasty salads. The light haze created by all this charcoal grilling occasionally drifted from the food sector over towards the main stage, to the olfactory delight of those assembled.

If you haven’t been to Moldova, the wine festival is the time to come here to learn about the culture, language, music, food, and wine of this undiscovered gem. And, it makes for an interesting sociological study for those academics in the crowd.

 

Fulbright Update:
Warm welcome extended by media center, Chisinau Rotary

Centrul Media pentru Tineri-Youth Media Center
As I’ve taught in 32 countries (face to face), most of my collaborators and partnering organizations have been very good. However, none surpasses the Centrul Media pentru Tineri (CMT) here in Moldova. It’s honestly one of the reasons I selected Moldova for my Fulbright.

The youthful, vibrant team 
from the Centrul Media
pentru Tineri, and an elderly
person (front and center)

CMT, a youth media center, is dedicated to “promoting the rights of children and young people to free expression, opinion, and participation” in society.

In this capacity, CMT sponsors a number of activities: media camps, roundtable discussions, a video program called Abraziv (abrasive), etc. It also sponsors media clubs in eight cities and villages around Moldova that provide outreach and programming for young people outside the capital Chisinau. These clubs “provide an opportunity (for students) to make their voices heard in their community and get involved in solving local challenges.”

I’ve worked with CMT 3-4 times in the past teaching media programs for youth. I had a blast doing this, and loved the kids’ energy, enthusiasm, and optimism.

This academic year, we’ll again be collaborating. I plan to visit each of the CMT’s Media Clubs outside of Chisinau—8 clubs in all. On our first stop in Ungheni, I’ll be leading a peace journalism session and taking part in other discussions with the local youth (15-18) there. I’m also going to be helping to launch new clubs, and teaching short courses here in Chisinau.

I can’t wait!

Rotary Club of Chisinau
Those who put service above self (the motto of Rotary International) are the same the world over.

A case in point is the Chisinau Rotary Club, which has taken me in as a member since my arrival here 5 weeks ago. As an honorary member of the Parkville (MO) Rotary Club, I was already familiar with Rotary and Rotarians, so I shouldn’t have been surprised with the reaction here when the Chisinau club met with tragedy.

A valued and much-loved middle-aged member of the Chisinau club passed away suddenly and unexpectedly last week. Our meeting that week was sad and poignant yet somehow uplifting, and featured toasts and short speeches singing the praises of what sounded to me like an extraordinary woman. Then, these Moldovan Rotarians do what Rotarians anywhere would do: honor their colleague by planning, fundraising for, and launching a project to honor the deceased member. In this case, the project is to buy orchestra uniforms for school kids who can’t afford them. Without these uniforms, young musicians can’t perform with their peers. In just a week, the club raised over $1700, with more donations on the way—enough at this stage to pay for 40 uniforms.

Overall, I’ve been impressed with the commitment of these Rotarians to assist their community, reflected in their projects to bring updated technology to schools, including smart boards for use in a local school for children with autism. Bravo, Chisinau Rotary Club.

Chisinau Rotary Club meeting

 

New Peace Journalist magazine arrives on virtual newsstands!
The new edition of The Peace Journalist magazine is out! This edition features insightful articles about a seminar in Greece and AI’s role in non-violent communication, along with stories from Cameroon, Brazil, Kosovo, Pakistan, Serbia, and elsewhere.

You can access (view and download) the magazine at- https://issuu.com/parkalumni/docs/the_peace_journalist_-_vol._12_no._2_october_202 .

The next edition of The Peace Journalist is April, 2024, with a copy deadline of early March. Submissions are of course welcome from all.

Enjoy the magazine!

Best wishes,
Steven Youngblood, Editor

Fulbright Update:
Prof, students survive visit to fifth grade classroom in Moldova
About a dozen years ago, I was asked to make a presentation about peace to an unusually challenging group—4 and 5 year old preschoolers. Hearing about this invitation, my wife Barbara, anticipating an entertaining scene, accompanied me. After meeting the youngsters, I dove right in, asking a few questions and giving definitions. After about five minutes, the kids’ eyes began to glaze over, and they became extra-squirmy. Noticing this same thing, Barbara leapt into action, shooed me off the stage, and took over the presentation, much to the delight of the suddenly reanimated children.

At the end of the peace talk, the gleeful kids swarmed Barbara, showering her with hugs and high-fives. Amidst this joyful scene, I slowly shuffled to our car, shoulders hunched in abject defeat. I may have even heard soft violin music during this lonely trudge. Pass the Kleenex.

Thus, it was with some trepidation that I accepted an invitation to speak today to a class of 5th graders at the Orizont Lyceum (elementary school) in Chisinau, Moldova. I was asked to discuss social media and critical thinking, and the students’ role in not spreading disinformation.

The students were terrific—very, very energetic; very, very willing to share (one girl almost insisted); and very, very inquisitive. When I asked if they had seen disinformation and fake news on social media, everyone’s hand shot up. They gave examples that they’ve seen on social media, everything from fake cash prizes to lies about the Ukraine war to the zombie apocalypse, which according to the students did not occur (or at least, has not yet occurred). I asked how they knew if news is false, and got some sophisticated answers, including considering what source it comes from, and whether the news could be verified with a Google search. We discussed Russian disinformation themes commonly spread in Moldova. The students said they had seen posts reflecting each of these themes, which include confusing information about the breakaway republic Transnistria; the general theme Russia is good and EU bad; the war will spread to Moldova; and Moldova shouldn’t join the EU.

I left the youngsters with some questions they should ask themselves before sharing news on social media, including:

-How did it make me feel? (If the answer is mad, it's probably disinformation)
-What’s the source? Do you recognize it as a real news outlet?
-Does it seem realistic? Does it make sense?
-Are other sources reporting this, or is it just one source?
-Does it hit on the fake news themes targeting Moldova?
-Who would say this, and why? (What are the disseminator’s motives?).

The students spoke excellent English, especially considering their age, so 80% of the presentation was in English, though I did answer a few inquiries in Romanian.

The only fly in the ointment today wasn’t a fly, but a small stink bug that distracted the students, and thus myself, to no end. After giggles, pointing, swatting, etc., teacher Lucia Jardan-Gutu finally swooped in and scooped up the insect, saving the kids from what was undoubtedly an unspeakable fate.

As I left class today, I was sent off with several rounds of loud applause. I signed an autograph, got a couple of hugs, and was encouraged to return for another lesson. I left school with my head held high, strutting like a peacock. I think I may have heard some trumpet music playing in the background. No Kleenex needed this time.

 

 

 

Fulbright Update from Chisinau, Moldova:
Prof learns about disinfo, education; brushes up on Romanian
Yesterday, the teacher went back to school for a day. Of course, the school was in Romanian, spoken sometimes so low it was barely audible, and other times articulated so quickly that it was nearly impossible to understand.

Despite this, the two events I attended were informative and fascinating. They certainly gave me a chance to exercise my mediocre Romanian, the official language here in Moldova.

Simon Panek launches disinformation event

The first event was a panel discussion titled, “Disinformation in Moldova-Perspectives of Journalists.” It featured four professional media panelists. The panel was introduced by a vice-rector of Moldova State University, where the event was held. She noted that disinformation is a “delicate situation” in Moldova, and that combating it is a “great responsibility” for journalists. In a second introduction, Simon Panek, director of People in Need, a Czech NGO and sponsor of the event, reminded the audience that, “Those who manipulate (information) are usually not democrats,” and do so for selfish purposes.

Speaker Victoria Borodin from Ziarul de Garda, a 90-year old newspaper in Chisinau, noted that there is a flood of Russian disinformation that became heavier once the Ukraine war started, and that fighting it involves the hard, sometimes tedious work of analyzing public information, confirming sources, and bringing in relevant, neutral experts into the discussion.

Audience at disinformation event at State Univ.

Another speaker, Anghelina Gaidarji, is from Tuk.md, the only independent, Russian language news outlet in Moldova. She said, interestingly, that the harder a piece if disinformation “news” is to believe, the more likely people in her Russian-speaking region in southern Moldova will believe it, because they want to believe it.

The second event yesterday was a press conference organized by the Scoala de Jurnalism din Moldova (Moldova Journalism School), for whom I am teaching and mentoring adult learners who are enrolled in a six month vocational journalism training course. Journalists peppered Dan Perciun, the country’s minister of education and research, with questions for about 90 minutes.

Most of the press conference topics were strikingly similar to the topics that would be discussed with an American education official—STEM education, soft skills (communication) vs. hard technical skills, education in rural areas, curriculum and competencies, etc. There was a lively discussion about teacher salaries. One reporter asked if incentives like airline tickets could be given to teachers to make the profession more attractive. I'm not sure if I heard a direct answer to the question. Budgets were also discussed, as the minister passed out a handout showing how Moldova stacks up vs. other European countries in the amount of their GDP expended on education. The European average is 4.8%; here in Moldova, 5.8% of GDP is spent on education.

Dan Perciun, education minister

Any glimpse I can get into Moldovan society can only benefit me as a teacher, and any chance I get to listen to and translate Romanian in my head, and take notes, can only improve my language skills. I want to get to the point where I can lecture in Romanian at the university or on my other teaching assignments. I hope to be at that level within the next month.

USM students analyze content for Peace Journalism. 

Fulbright Update:
University classes, students off
to excellent start 
(Chisinau, Moldova)-When teaching abroad, as I have done now in person in 32 countries, I’m often skeptical when I’m told that audiences, especially students, speak English fluently. I come by this skepticism honestly, having been disappointed on several occasions to learn, much to my chagrin, that my students really speak little or no English. I found this out the hard way at my last overseas university teaching assignment in Ethiopia in 2018.

This week at the State University of Moldova (USM), however, has been chagrin-free.

My USM journalism students speak excellent English, and fluently conversed with me abut peace journalism. They were intellectually curious about not only my subject matter, but about my impressions of Moldova. I got asked to analyze and critique Moldova media. I begged off, responding by noting that I’ve been here less than two weeks. Perhaps I’ll have a better answer in a few months.

At any rate, it looks like I’m going to really enjoy my interactions with students at USM. We are off to an excellent start.

Moldova Journalism School
I will also be working with a cohort of 15 professionals who are attending a journalism course through the Moldova Journalism School, which offers something like a certificate program but not a degree like a university. This is more of a vocational training course for those older learners interested in journalism or perhaps in changing careers. This 6-month course will be taught by a number of professional journalists. I will be teaching several units on peace journalism, and mentoring the students as well.

We launched the course this week with an ice-breaker wherein participants interviewed one another, then made a brief presentation about their interviewee. I participated as well, interviewing Ion, who just returned from working for 5 years in France. The whole thing was done in Romanian, which I understand well but am still struggling to speak as fluently as I would like. I don’t think I embarrassed myself, though my Moldovan colleagues are too polite to say if I sounded like a moron.

Presenting a classmate at the 
Moldova Journalism School.

Fulbright Update:
Bold young English teachers impress slightly older professor

(CHISINAU, MOLDOVA)—When I was fresh out of college, I considered it bold to move from Kansas City to Rolla, Missouri (219 miles).

Turns out, my idea of post-graduate boldness pales in comparison to the move embraced by the eight intrepid young English teachers I met yesterday at a Fulbright orientation in Chisinau, Moldova.

English teachers, and other Fulbrighters, at 
orientation yesterday in Moldova

Each of these eight youngsters will be teaching English as teaching assistants or fellows here in Moldova this academic year.  Their bold move brings them thousands of miles from the U.S. to Eastern Europe. For example, one young English teacher has traveled 5,112 miles here from Columbus, Ohio. Also, at least one of the teachers had never left the U.S. until now.

Not only have they made the move here, but they won’t even be stationed in the cosmopolitan, European capital, Chisinau. Instead, they’ll be teaching in the hinterlands, in places as small and rural as Ungheni, Soroca, and Cahul.

The undaunted eight leaves Chisinau today to travel to their final destinations. I spoke to many of the English Teaching Assistants (ETA's, in Fulbright parlance), and none said they were nervous, or even a little frightened. I’d characterize them as eagerly anxious. I was tremendously impressed by the young teachers and by their fearlessness and their altruistic commitment to serving their students here and to building bridges between Moldovans and Americans. I can think of no better citizen ambassadors than these bright, dedicated 20-somethings. I plan to visit many at their posting sites, and while I’m there, perhaps to present a lecture or two on peace journalism.

Settling In
I’ve settled in to my nice apartment, which is centrally located. I’ve walked more in the six days I’ve been here than I would in a month (or two) at home.

Professionally, I’ve had the Fulbright orientation, which was informative (say no to sushi!), and have had meetings all week with potential partners and collaborators. My teaching at the university starts next week.

And, I’ve enjoyed some lovely late summer weather in Chisinau’s many bucolic parks.

Stay tuned for another update next week.

Central Park (Stefan Cel Mare Park), Chisinau, Moldova