By Natalia Fedosieieva
The Thessaloniki International Media Conference 2023 delved into new trends in journalism, with a recurring focus on Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. This topic surfaced daily in discussions among participants and speakers.
Steven Youngblood, Associate Professor of Communications at Park University, USA, emphasized the significance of peace journalism in covering conflicts. He noted the Ukraine-Russia war as a prime example, highlighting the need to analyze how the war is reported by both Russian and Western media. Youngblood pointed out rampant Russian disinformation, suggesting that the conflict's coverage could ignite broader conversations about media practices and responsible journalism during conflicts.
Aphrodite Salas, Assistant Professor of Journalism at Concordia University, Canada, mentioned that the conference aimed to offer diverse perspectives on the situations in Ukraine and Russia, particularly regarding disinformation. She recognized this theme as central to the THISAM conference, facilitating global student and professional exchanges.
Stephanie Bradford, a journalist from Munich, Germany, observed that most THISAM topics incorporated varying dynamics about Ukraine and Russia. She advocated for supporting Ukrainians, noting the importance of firsthand information from the field. Bradford stressed the role of journalists in advocating and disseminating the information they acquire.
Nikos Panagiotou, a THISAM organizer from Aristotle University, Greece, said the conference served as a platform to discuss current issues, particularly the invasion. Panagiotou expressed the event's intention to raise awareness about this critical issue.
The conference also featured a live chat with Yuriy Sak, advisor to the Defense Minister of Ukraine, who discussed the Ukrainian army's offensive operations.
In conclusion, journalists from 15 countries convened at the conference, contributing to a global discussion on the war in Ukraine. The collective focus on this conflict underscores its significance and the role of journalism in bringing us closer to a resolution.
