OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine launches journalists’ competition on responsible journalism and professional ethics

KYIV, 17 May 2011 - A nationwide contest for journalists on professional ethics, standards and responsible journalism is launched today by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine (PCU) and the country’s Journalism Ethics Commission.

The aim of the competition is to stimulate a debate among media professionals and the general public on the role and responsibilities of journalists. It will raise awareness and understanding of the role of self-regulation and adherance to professional ethical standards.

“Freedom of the press and protection of media professionals are important elements of a truly democratic society. However, one should not undermine the role and responsibilities that the journalists have in our societies,”  said Lubomir Kopaj, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine.

“Adhering to professional ethical standards and being responsible journalists, will enhance public trust in the media,”  he added.

Journalists from national and local, print and electronic media are invited to submit articles, radio or TV programmes discussing the aforementioned topics. The items should have been published or broadcast in Ukrainian media or prepared for publication in 2011. The deadline for submission is 15 November 2011.

The competitions is part of a wider OSCE PCU-supported project aimed at raising professional ethics standards and strengthening of self-regulation.

Detailed information about the contest in Ukrainian is available at: //www.osce.org/ukraine/82588.