IPI Panel at the European Forum Alpbach
Alpbach, Tyrol - 30 August 2010
As part of the European Forum Alpbach 2010, "Construction and Reality" (19 August - 4 September 2010), the International Press Institute (IPI) will organise a panel discussion titled, "Politicians Construct and Journalists Search for Reality?", on Monday, 30 August 2010.
Journalists play a crucial role in providing the information that the public – as well as policy-makers – need to understand complex issues and make informed decisions. Yet when trying to report on the complexities of formulating and developing government policies, journalists often face politicians and spokespersons who are intent on persuading public opinion or who claim that the media have too much power in society.
"Politicians Construct and Journalists Search for Reality?"
Monday, 30 August, 16:30-18:00
This session will examine the interplay and power dynamics between journalists and politicians, in particular in the context of the changing media landscape and the rise of social media, citizen journalism, and the blogger.
Panellists from both sides of the divide will discuss the relationship between politics and the media, and the need for trust, honesty and transparency, as well as a recognition of the importance of professional norms, if the relationship is to work for the good of the public.
Moderator:
• Michael Prüller, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Die Presse, Vienna
Panelists:
• Roy Greenslade, Professor of Journalism, City University; Media Commentator, Columnist and Blogger, The Guardian, London
• Verena Nowotny, Spokesperson, Austrian Mission to the UN, New York
• Lance Price, Writer, Political Commentator, and Broadcaster; Director of Communications under British Prime Minister Tony Blair, London
• Andrei Soldatov, Co-founder and Editor, Agentura.Ru, Moscow, Russia
• Péter Szegő, Online Journalist, hvg.hu, Budapest
Discussion to be continued at the IPI World Congress 2010 in September
Another IPI panel discussion dealing with a related topic – "Reporting on Extremist Politicians – How New and Traditional Media Cover the Politics of the Extreme" – will take place on Tuesday, 14 September, during the IPI World Congress in Vienna and Bratislava this September.
To learn more about this session and the IPI World Congress in general, visit the Congress website www.ipiworldcongress.com and register now to join the debate!
