PAO Turner Challenges Journalism Students with Discussion about Social Media (June 20)

PAO Michael Turner meets Journalism Students in GIPA. Photo: State Dept

PAO Michael Turner discussed the role of social media during election campaigns, as well as professional and responsible media standards with a group 40 post-graduate students of the Caucasus School of Journalisms and Media Management (CSJMM) at the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA). PAO Turner’s account of his personal experience as a spokesperson triggered a lively question and answer session. The Dean of the CSJMM and several faculty members attended the session.

PAO Michael Turner spoke about challenges the social media poses to traditional media and triggered conversation with current post-graduate students on their duties and responsibilities as future professional journalists to function as watchdogs in a contemporary world. PAO drew parallel between modern social and traditional media tools different politicians use to send less formal messaged to target groups.

He mentioned President Franklin Roosevelt’s radio series "fireside chats" in this context. He spoke about the role of the social media during elections - a topic crucial for Georgia in light of upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections in 2012 and 2013. These topics of this session tied well with MSRP Goal #5 Public Diplomacy: Common Democratic Values as a Vehicle for Change