The ‘Serving audiences when they need it most: the key role of media in emergencies’ conference, organized by BBC Media Action within the ‘European Media Facility in Armenia’, project funded by the European Union, was held on May 5th and 6th in Yerevan, Armenia. The conference brought together international, local, and regional media experts to discuss the vital role that media plays during times of crisis.

During the conference, attendees explored topics such as how to provide audiences with essential and trustworthy information that can save lives, cope in difficult circumstances, and combat disinformation during emergencies. The conference also featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops to provide attendees with practical insights and tools for media production and cross-sector coordination.

Andrea Wiktorin, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia.

The conference began with welcome remarks from H.E. Ms Andrea Wiktorin, Ambassador, Head of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Armenia and H.E. Mr. Viktor Richter, Ambassador, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany.

 In her address, H.E. Ms Andrea Wiktorin stated: “The media plays a critical role in emergencies by providing timely and accurate information, serving as a platform for communication, educating the public, and providing emotional support. The race for audiences in media can lead to risks and ethical concerns, including sensationalism, false information, and conflicts of interest. However, by adhering to ethical standards, promoting media literacy, and finding a balance between commercial interests and ethical considerations, media outlets can build trust with audiences and play a critical role in informing and shaping public discourse especially in emergencies and crisis situations”.

The editor of Media.am Gegham Vardanyan, the chief editor of Factor TV Arevik Sahakyan, the Director of Hetq Kristine Barseghtan and the President of Goris Press club Susanna Shahnazaryan.

 H.E. Mr. Viktor Richter, Ambassador, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, added: "Circumstances in Armenia are currently very difficult. The topic of this conference is very up-to-date, and the role of a free media landscape is crucial in emergency situations, especially in terms of countering disinformation, manipulation, and fake news in media as a result of the hybrid war which we are currently facing."

"We are grateful for the active participation of our Armenian colleagues who are working to fulfil their fundamental responsibility to provide people with high-quality information in times of crisis to empower citizens and build society's resilience to crises.  Disinformation increases during crises making the need for balanced and truthful information and the ability to counter the manipulation of information even more important," said Ellie Haworth, Head of Projects at BBC Media Action. 

For more information and updates subscribe to ‘European Media Facility in Armenia’ newsletter in Armenian and in English.

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The ‘European Media Facility in Armenia – Building Sustainable and Professional Media’ project is implemented by DW Akademie in cooperation with BBC Media Action, Open Society Foundation – Armenia, Hetq/ Investigative Journalists NGO and Factor TV, and is funded by the European Union and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

This event was organized  with the financial support of the European Union. Its content shares the sole responsibility of BBC Media Action and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Photos by Ani Sargsyan/Hetq