Shusha media forum calls for stronger fight against disinformation PHOTO

The role of journalism in combating disinformation and documenting post-conflict reconstruction took center stage during a panel session at the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum titled "From Destruction to Revival: Urban Narratives and Media Responsibility."

The discussion brought together representatives of leading media organizations to examine the media's responsibility in reporting on reconstruction efforts while ensuring the accuracy and integrity of information, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of Anadolu Agency, Yusuf Özhan, stated that combating disinformation requires great responsibility.

He drew attention to the large amount of disinformation spread during the Kahramanmaraş earthquake in Türkiye, noting that professional journalism plays a crucial role in preventing such cases and minimizing disinformation.

Özhan emphasized that Azerbaijan's support for the reconstruction of Kahramanmaraş is well known: "After the earthquake, the Azerbaijani government remained faithful to the tradition of brotherhood and made its contribution. Journalists bear great responsibility in covering the reconstruction process and conveying these historic events to future generations."

Executive Director of AnewZ TV Rufat Hamzayev said that the main purpose of the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum is to contribute to the protection of truth:

"As President Ilham Aliyev also noted, new cities are already being built in the liberated territories, and today the main focus should be on the revival process. Reconstruction is primarily about human stories, and the media must cover this process responsibly. Alongside documenting destruction, the revival process must also be conveyed to the public objectively and professionally. While destruction creates strong emotional impact, reconstruction is a more complex and long-term process. The duty of the media is to document this process correctly and preserve it for future generations."

The panel session continued with a Q&A segment.

By Vafa Guliyeva