back

Media NGOs express concern about the smear campaign against TV8 and send a message of solidarity to all journalists doing their job honestly

14 September 2021

Non-governmental media organizations express their concern about the spreading of defamatory speculations in the public space against the TV8 TV station team and the hate speech against journalists and journalists of this media institution and other media professionals in the Republic of Moldova. Following the conflict of interest declared by Natalia Morari, a former member of the board of directors of the "Media Alternativa" non-profit association, the founder of TV8, and some of her posts on the Facebook social network, from which TV8 has completely and categorically dissociated itself, the TV8 team has become the target of denigrating messages against it, especially online. Some users of social networks, as well as former or current politicians, have launched defamatory accusations against all journalists from this TV station, as well as from other media outlets, using speculations without factual basis, insults and statements that damage honour, dignity and professional reputation. We note with concern that this case is being exploited by people controlled by various controversial politicians and businessmen involved in illegalities to discredit and incite hatred towards journalists in the Republic of Moldova in general and independent journalism and investigative journalism in particular. The signatory organisations send a message of solidarity with all journalists in the country who respect the values of professional ethics and respect the Code of Ethics of Journalists in the Republic of Moldova. We urge users of social networks and consumers of media products to keep a civilized language in relation to journalists and to learn to distinguish between honest journalists who work for the correct information of the public, who reveal illegal corruption schemes and those who promote certain interests under the guise of journalism. We call for the exclusion from public discourse of messages of hatred and stigmatisation of women journalists. We call on politicians and their affiliates to stop the campaign to incite intolerance and denigrate independent journalism based on respect for the ethical values of our profession. Centre for Independent Journalism Independent Press Association Electronic Press Association Media Guard Association