IJC Report: Positive changes in the media coverage of topics concerning minorities and socially vulnerable persons in the Gagauz and Transnistrian regions

Gagauz and Transnistrian media outlets have shown some qualitative and quantitative progress in the coverage of topics concerning minorities and socially vulnerable groups. It is one of the main conclusions of the second monitoring report produced by the Independent Journalism Center (IJC). Also, some development has been found in terms of the quality and depth of the materials concerning minorities and persons with disabilities, especially in Gagauz-Yeri. When compared with the previous monitoring period the number of materials with discriminatory phrasings regarding these people has been nearly four times less frequent.

At the same time, the report identified deficiencies in the coverage of topics concerning the above-mentioned groups. Thus, the materials broadcast and published during the monitoring period mainly presented the information provided during certain events or offered by various institutions by means of press releases. The minority of relevant materials was original, representing life stories or complex analyses, when several sources were used and the situations of minorities and socially vulnerable persons were covered from different perspectives.

To encourage correct and balanced coverage of topics concerning minorities and socially vulnerable groups, the report presents several recommendations. Media outlets are suggested to review their editorial policies, making sure that materials about minorities and socially vulnerable persons are carefully prepared and are more frequent in the media. Journalists are encouraged to make the public aware about aspects of social, economic and cultural inclusion of minorities and vulnerable groups, about their freedoms and responsibilities and about their opinions on issues of common interest, such as economy, society, politics or culture. Media representatives are recommended to ensure the presence of the voice/opinion of minorities and socially vulnerable persons in the materials and decisions that concern them and are able to affect their lives.

This report was produced on the basis of a quantitative and qualitative monitoring methodology and it was aimed to assess the media coverage of the topics concerning minorities and socially vulnerable persons in the ATU Gagauz-Yeri and in the Transnistrian region. The objective of this study was to analyze the frequency of media coverage concerning these social categories, its relevance for the monitored media outlets, and the professionalism with which these topics are covered in the two regions.

Five media outlets from ATU Gagauz-Yeri and five from the Transnistrian region had been monitored for two months (1 September – 31 October 2014). It is the second monitoring report; the first monitoring was conducted between 28 October and 28 December 2013. The report can be viewed here
 
This report has been produced as part of the project “Promoting the rights of minorities and marginalized groups from Transnistrian and Gagauz regions through the media”, implemented by the IJC with financial support from partner organization Civil Rights Defenders, Sweden. The content of this report might not reflect the opinion of the funder.