Free Press Talking
How do you report from the exile? What it is like to report in very difficult conditions? What is it like to report from the frontline? How do you cope with online and offline harassment? How do you get the information to prove the high level corruption?
Independent journalists from different parts of the world talk about their work, professional experiences but also share their personal stories and motivations. Through these interactions, they also describe situations in their countries, broader political context and specific conditions in which media operate. Stories of journalists showcase the value of independent journalism, importance of verifying information but also the threats they are exposed to for fulfilling this essential public service.
These conversations are a valuable opportunity to discuss and learn journalism, access to information, countering disinformation and role of the media in today’s world.
About the interviews (2024)
In the Free Press Talking interviews the journalists from Palestine and Ukraine, share their stories and motivation to continue working. The aim of these interviews is to show the challenges that journalists face, the importance of the profession and meaning of the free word.
About the Video series (2023)
Free Press Talking video series of five conversations between journalists from different regions of the World, including Eastern Partnership, Central Asia, MENA and Western Balkans were recorded in 2023. The aim of these conversations is to show the importance of independent journalism and to pay tribute to journalists’ work and dedication. Each conversation brings together journalists from different regions and focuses on particular aspect of media journalists work.
Videos
Free Press Talking, Part 5 – What does it take to be a journalist in exile
Conversation between Luna Watfa and Aksana Brovach touches upon an emotional topic of forced exile from dictatorship. What are the biggest challenges to work as a journalist in exile, how do you find motivation to continue? Luna and Aksana also discuss the goals of the journalists in exile, their audiences and ways of reaching out to them, as well as similarities between Belarusian and Syrian dictatorships. They also reflect on ways to give voice to jailed journalists and they speak about their own future.
Participants:
Luna Watfa, journalist and activist from Syria
Aksana Brovach, freelance journalist, member of Belarusian Association of Journalists, Belarus
Free Press Talking, Part 4 – What does it take to be an investigative journalist
Conversation between Bojana Jovanovic and Olga Ceaglei focuses on investigative journalism. Both reporters share their motivations to investigate corrupt politicians, discuss danger coming from people in power and organized crime, reveal how corrupt schemes work in Serbia and Moldova, compare the access to information and practices governments are using to hamper their work. They also describe the public interest in investigative journalism and explain why public support to quality journalism is important, and highlight the importance of international cooperation and solidarity.
Participants:
Bojana Jovanovic, editor of the KRIK, Serbia
Olga Ceaglei, a co-founder of CU SENS, Moldova
Free Press Talking, Part 3 – What does it take to bring world news home
Conversation between Kyrgyz and Indonesian journalist who both travelled to Ukraine and reported on the current Russian war of aggression for their home audiences. Why did they choose to do it? How do they report on events happening far away? Why is it important to show Russian imperialism, how does Russia spread its disinformation about the war, what role does China play in both countries. They also underline how important it is to overcome the information isolation and establish direct contacts.
Participants:
Bektour Iskender, co-founder of Kloop, Kyrgyzstan
Kris Mada, journalist at Kompas, Indonesia
Free Press Talking, Part 2 – What does it take to be a female journalist in a hostile environment
In a sincere conversation Mariam Nikuradze and Dalija Hasanbegovic talk about how they deal with security issues online and in the field, whether gender matters in the work of journalist, what keeps them going in spite of growing risks or how they cope with online harassment. They also describe the situation of independent media in Georgia and Bosnia and Hercegovina and compare the level of media freedoms based on their experiences.
Participants:
Mariam Nikuradze, co-founder and executive director of OC Media, Georgia
Dalija Hasanbegovic, correspondent and news presenter from Al Jazeera Balkans
Free Press Talking, Part 1 – What does it take to be a war journalist
In a very open conversation Illia Ponomarenko and Maya Gebeily discuss how they became war journalists, how does it feel to be on the frontline, what it is like to cover the war in your own country, the important role journalists play in time of war both towards domestic and foreign audiences. Illia and Maya also talk about how to verify information, what it is like for male and female journalists on the frontlineand what they will do after the war.
Participants:
Illia Ponomarenko, defence reporter from Kyiv Independent, Ukraine
Maya Gebeily, Reuters Bureau Chief for Lebanon, Syria & Jordan