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Bobbie Traut is the Program Manager for Moldova at Civil Rights Defenders. She has been working in the field of democracy development for the past few years, becoming specialised in regions such as Central Europe, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova and Central Asia. She has lived in the Baltic States, Russia, Ukraine and Poland, and she speaks Russian, Polish and has a working knowledge of Belarusian and Ukrainian. Recently, Bobbie Traut discussed matters of media freedom and professionalism with the Media Azi team.
When did you first visit Moldova and how would you characterize its evolution up to this point in terms of democratic freedoms?
My first trip to Moldova came at a crucial turning point for the country. I arrived in Chisinau a few days before the April 2009 elections to monitor election-related projects supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). I shared the uncertainty, anxiety and concern of many Moldovans, as I watched the Parliament burn and riot police gather on Stefan cel Mare Boulevard. At that moment, anything could have happened. But what gave me hope was witnessing so many people who came out to peacefully demonstrate their dissatisfaction with what they felt was an unfair and fraudulent electoral process. There is great power in citizens uniting to voice their opinion; it is a voice that must be heard. And ultimately it was, as elections were called again and the new coalition came to power.
Since the 2009 events, Moldova has made progress in its democratic development; however, I would characterize it as somewhat tentative growth with the European Union (EU) and the US urging the country in that direction. Of course, there is not just one approach to democratic transition, but I feel that even more can be done to strengthen democracy in Moldova.
In this regard, the government must take decisive and concrete actions to address major obstacles to Moldova’s democratic development, such as corruption, lack of transparency and nepotism. These issues hold the country back from reaching its full potential as an example and leader of democracy in Eastern Europe.
From your experience, how would you describe Moldovan media and the Moldovan information space? What influences are most striking, in your opinion?
Although Moldova is a smaller country in terms of population and size, the media environment is quite robust. One can find many news and informational resources, especially online. Internet penetration is high and the number of informational websites in the regions has also grown, facilitating access to information in smaller towns and villages.
I believe civil society has been a driving force behind this growth and development. Media-related NGOs provide trainings and consultations to journalists on topics including journalism ethics, reporting on sensitive issues, and using unbiased language. These trainings reach journalists across the country and significantly improve professional skills and mass media content. NGOs also play an important role in monitoring the implementation of media laws, as well as making recommendations and advocating for improvements in media-related legislation.
What are your thoughts in relation to media freedom and ownership transparency in Moldova, considering its position in the CSI and Eastern Partnership?
Moldova currently ranks the highest in regards to the level of press freedom among the Eastern Partnership countries, which is an achievement that should be acknowledged and appreciated. The country has made improvements; however, the lack of transparency in media ownership continues to be a grave concern. Civil society has made significant efforts to advocate for media ownership laws that meet democratic standards. But political and business interests continue to pervade, hindering progress in strengthening media ownership transparency. This is another potential area where Moldova could be a leader in the region, but it will require a united political will to change the laws and continued advocacy from civil society on this issue.
How do you think the media landscape and its sustainability could be improved in Moldova? Should the authorities get more/less involved? Should foreign partners offer more/less support (EU, USA, international organizations, etc)?
Media sustainability is always a pressing issue in any country. Online, print and broadcasting media outlets come and go based on market demand. I believe the key to creating a more sustainable media environment is to give space for its growth and development, for people’s creativity and ingenuity. In the US, for example, an array of information and news is available to the public, partly because the space is open for anyone to create a website, newspaper or radio programme. People are allowed to develop their creative ideas and target different segments of the population through the media.
To improve the media environment in Moldova, the government must not limit space for free expression; it must allow for entrepreneurship and new ideas in the media field. Foreign partners can contribute by providing necessary technical expertise, professional development opportunities, and exchange of experiences for media representatives.
What would you say are the great challenges the media faces in an electoral year like 2014, also considering the growing neighboring conflicts in Ukraine? How do you see this year play out in Moldova?
The biggest challenge for Moldovan media in an electoral year is to present all sides in an objective and professional manner. It is the media’s role and responsibility to inform the public in such a way so that individuals themselves are equipped with the information needed to make the most informed decision when they enter the voting booth.
This election, just as in 2009, represents another turning point for the country. It will determine which direction Moldova heads in the next ten to twenty years. And that is critical, not just for Moldova, but for its neighbors as well. Ukraine, facing a potential conflict and further deterioration of human rights, will need a pro-democratic, stable neighbor to provide moral support to Ukrainian civil society and activists.
What advice would you give journalists from Moldova who feel their freedom of expression is to some extent limited by external forces?
My advice to journalists is to stay true to journalism ethics and maintain high standards and principles of good reporting. Regardless of external factors, journalists must stand in solidarity for freedom of expression. Civil society organisations can be a valuable tool for journalists to obtain legal aid and support in such situations where free speech is being suppressed. I encourage journalists to turn to civil society experts and use them as resources. A strong network of independent, like-minded journalists who support and defend free expression is also important to protecting and safeguarding journalists’ rights and freedom of the press. Journalists should find opportunities to join forces and create platforms to advocate for their rights.
