"Without independent sources of information we can not build a democratic society"

Interview with Bobbie Jo Traut, programme manager, Civil Rights Defenders Moldova

You are at the end of your mandate with the Representative Office of Civil Rights Defenders in the Republic of Moldova. How was this time for you?
This experience and my time in Moldova will forever have an impact on my life both professionally and personally. I understand more about how to assist civil society in this country and the wider region—namely by building relationships of trust and respect; providing support and encouragement; and dedicating time and resources to their cause.
 
While living and working in Moldova, I have been frustrated by backsliding; angered by injustice; and saddened by poverty and inequality. Sometimes I just had to find something to make me laugh or take a walk around the beautiful Valea Morilor to remember that it is important to maintain perspective, be patient, and never lose hope. Things change but in a time and way that is best suited to the circumstances of the country and its people.
 
What press did you read, watch, and listen to while you were here? Can you talk about some preferences that you have/had in Moldova (Radio and TV channels, programs, newspapers, magazines, online press)?
I mainly use English and Russian-language news sources, including the Moldova section of RFE/RL, kommersant.md and moldova.org. I scan the headlines of publika.md to practice my Romanian and ensure that I do not miss an important news story. I mainly use online media; I do not subscribe to a print newspaper or listen to the radio and watch TV often here, which is also what I do when living in the U.S. I primarily use Civil Rights Defender’s partner organisations’ websites to keep updated on news and human rights-related issues in the country.
 
According to international rankings, the press freedom index of R. Moldova has stayed approximately the same in the last two years, the press status remaining „partially free”. In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges to the media field in R. Moldova?
Media outlets are developing and growing here. The challenge for the media field, however, is to maintain this trend by continually evolving, innovating, and finding even better, more effective ways to reach the public and grow one’s audience. I also believe that independent media will still need international and donor support in the next few years as the advertising business and fundraising opportunities for media in Moldova are still in the nascent stages.
 
Civil Rights Defenders (CRD) is an independent expert organisation that assists civil society in the field of human rights and media freedom protection. What brings you the most happiness and sadness related to the activities that you conduct/develop in Moldova?
CRD has more than 14 partner organisations (NGOs) in Moldova, including Transnistria and Gagauzia. These organisations are equipped with teams of dedicated human rights activists and experts. I have watched them in action and seen the impact of their efforts. These individuals bring me great happiness. They inspire and humble me. I have been privileged to assist them in their work during my time here. Leaving them to go back to the U.S. is very hard, but I know I leave Moldova in the best of hands—the hands of my esteemed colleagues and dear friends.
 
You made several trips to the Transnistrian region and UTA Gagauzia. What do you think about the press in these regions?
 Unfortunately, there are very few independent media sources in these regions and that is apparent when one looks at public opinion and attitudes. Many people living in these regions only have access to media controlled and manipulated by authorities, giving them only one side of the story. Therefore, one has to make an effort to look for alternative sources of information. People living in Transnistria and Gagauzia have a right to a variety of media sources so that they can make the most informed decisions and fully participate in decision-making processes. Without independent sources of information we can not build a democratic society - the public is at a disadvantage and the authorities can exercise greater control and limit freedoms. As Thomas Jefferson warned, “Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press and that cannot be limited without being lost.”
 
You have mentioned previously in an interview that “the biggest challenge for Moldovan media in the electoral year is to present all sides in an objective and professional manner”. Do you think that our journalists have learned to deal with this challenge/ have assumed their role and responsibility of informing the public in a way that would allow people to take an informed decision when they vote?
In general, I believe the level of professionalism of Moldovan journalists has improved, mainly due to additional trainings and professional development programmes offered by media NGOs. As regards reporting on this year’s elections, journalists have to compete with the political parties to convey clear, objective messages about candidates and their platforms. This is a challenge, especially when political agendas are unclear and candidates use populism instead of policies to gain voters’ support. Because of this, Moldovan journalists must put more efforts into gathering information, interviewing a variety of political actors and investigative reporting on issues to convey the most accurate information to the electorate. I think some journalists have developed these skills but there is still a need to strengthen their capacity and provide them with the support they need to report during electoral periods.  
 
Before coming to Moldova, you had coordinated civil society programs in several Eastern European and Central Asian countries. Where do you see yourself in two years?
For the past eight years, I have worked to strengthen civil society in Eastern Europe and Eurasia by providing technical and financial support. I will continue to work with civil society from Washington DC, including programmes in Moldova. I will be a strong voice and advocate for the country. And I hope and plan to keep doing so in the coming years. I may return to the field at some point in the future to work on the ground and side-by-side with civil society, as this time in Moldova has been one of the most memorable and valuable experiences of my life. I believe strongly in the power of civil society — it is essential to democracy. I’ve seen the positive impact it can have growing up in the U.S. and working in Eastern Europe. Citizens need to feel that they have a role and voice in the direction of their country and in the major decisions being made.