A group of 15 Georgian journalists had the opportunity to visit some of the most influential media outlets in Europe, as part of a study tour organized by the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The tour, which took place from February 25 to March 4, 2024, aimed to enhance the professional skills and network of the participants, as well as to foster dialogue and cooperation between Georgian and European media.
A Diverse and Dynamic Media Landscape
The study tour covered six countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom. The journalists visited various media organizations, such as the BBC, Deutsche Welle, Euronews, France 24, Le Monde, Politico, RAI, and TVN. They also met with representatives of the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Broadcasting Union.
The journalists learned about the different media models, formats, and platforms that exist in Europe, as well as the challenges and opportunities they face in the digital age. They also exchanged views and experiences with their European counterparts on topics such as media freedom, ethics, diversity, innovation, and audience engagement.
One of the participants, Nino Danelia, a professor of journalism at the Ilia State University and a former TV anchor, said that the tour was an eye-opening and inspiring experience. “We saw how diverse and dynamic the European media landscape is, and how each media outlet has its own identity, mission, and audience. We also learned how they cope with the changing media environment, how they adapt to new technologies, and how they maintain their credibility and quality,” she said.
A Step Towards Closer Cooperation
The study tour was part of a larger project called “EU4Georgia III”, which supports the implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement and the communication of the EU’s role and values in Georgia. The project, funded by the EU and implemented by the UNDP, also aims to strengthen the capacities and sustainability of the Georgian media sector.
Carl Hartzell, the EU Ambassador to Georgia, said that the tour was a valuable opportunity for the Georgian journalists to learn from the best practices and standards of the European media, as well as to establish contacts and partnerships for future cooperation. “The EU is a staunch supporter of media freedom and pluralism, both in Georgia and globally. We believe that a free, independent, and professional media is essential for democracy, accountability, and development. We hope that this tour will contribute to the further improvement and diversification of the Georgian media scene, and to the closer ties between Georgia and the EU,” he said.
Louisa Vinton, the UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia, echoed the same sentiment. “The UNDP is proud to partner with the EU in this important initiative, which aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of the Georgian journalists, as well as to foster dialogue and understanding between the Georgian and European media. We believe that this will benefit not only the media sector, but also the public at large, who deserve access to reliable and diverse information and opinions,” she said.
The study tour was the second of its kind, following a similar one that took place in 2019. The organizers plan to continue the initiative in the future, as part of their efforts to support the development and integration of the Georgian media.
