Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Faculty of Communication and Media Studies hosted a talk titled “Reporting from the Eastern Mediterranean” and the Department of Journalism honor and high-honor certificate ceremony with the participation of Poland Press Agency news reporter Agnieszka Rakoczy.
The opening speech of the certificate ceremony was delivered by Department of Journalism Chair Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurten Kara. Kara noted that they are adopting a new curriculum titled “New Media and Journalism” by making changes to the existing curriculum with the aim of elevating the international compliance of department students.
“Citizen journalism makes everyone a reporter”
The successful students of the Department of Journalism were presented their certificates by academic staff during the honor and high honor certificate ceremony that took place after the opening speech of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurten Kara. Following the certificate ceremony, a talk by experienced reporter Agnieszka Rakoczy took place. Not only students but also research assistants and academic staff members attended the talk. Accomplished news reporter Agnieszka Rakoczy shared her experiences in the journalism sector with attendees of the event.
Rakoczy started her speech by emphasizing the significance of providing exact information to the public, and continued her words as follows: “The increasing power of social media is offering us access to very many sources and news items. With the help of citizen journalism, everyone is able to become a reporter instantly. Keeping this in consideration, reporters should be very careful in order to make the right choices in such a chaotic atmosphere.”
“Be careful about misleading news”
Rakoczy underlined the difficulty of distinguishing between fake news and speculations in the interactive era we are living in and emphasized the necessity of providing the public with actual information by exemplifying the existing lack of data about the ongoing massacre in Aleppo.
“I don’t disclose that I am a journalist”
When pursuing foreign news in such geographies Rakoczy stated that she doesn’t disclose that she is a journalist. “Firstly, I am not very good at preparing the concerned formalities. Secondly, if people know you are a journalist this can sometimes pose a security threat. In addition, if you don’t disclose that you are a journalist you can obtain information from other news agencies and civilians more easily.”
Pressure on the media is increasing
Rakoczy stated that polyphony is decreasing as pressure on the media increases. Rakoczy went onto note that when looking at her own country, she sees a partial decline in freedom of the press. Rakoczy continued as follows: “For example a protest with a participation of 200 thousand people, can be portrayed in the media as a protest with a participation of 50 thousand people.”.
The Cypriot community has the strength to shape their own destiny
Also stating her opinions about the Cypriot negotiation process, Rakoczy noted that she is carrying out journalism for Cyprus Today in the North and The Cyprus Mail and Sunday Mail in the South. Rakoczy noted that she still has hope for peace, stating that the problem is the perception that only the guarantors and super powers can solve the Cyprus problem. Rakoczy stated “The Cypriot community has the strength to shape their own destiny”.
After answering the audience questions Agnieszka Rakoczy was handed her gifts and plaque of appreciation. The talk ended with Department of Journalism students taking a picture with the experienced journalist.
