OSCE training helps Serbian media cover reform of security sector

The ongoing reform of the security sector in Serbia is a prerequisite for further democratic progress, and the country's journalists play an extremely important role in making sure the public is informed about security-related issues.

To help strengthen the media's professional knowledge in this area, the OSCE Mission to Serbia, through a project funded by the UK, provided a comprehensive training course for 18 journalists from print and electronic media reporting on security issues, as well as six final year journalism students interested in the subject.

The course consisted of six one-day events in Novi Sad, running from 6 September to 11 October 2008. It was organized in co-operation with the Media Studies Department at the University of Novi Sad's Faculty of Philosophy.

The participants, who came from national, local and minority print media in cities including Subotica, Nis, Vranje, Pancevo, Kikinda and Novi Sad, heard prominent domestic and foreign experts speak about various aspects of security reform.

Adjusting to European standards

"Security sector reform in Serbia is one of the most important topics in terms of its adjustment to European standards," said Dubravka Valic Nedeljkovic, Head of the Faculty's Media Studies Department.

"The structure and contents of this course were exceptionally good. It provided both theoretical lectures and advanced training for the participants."

Selena Tasic, a final year journalism student at the Faculty, was also enthusiastic about the course: "It got me interested in topics that were not discussed very much during my studies.

"I also came to understand the importance of accurate reporting on security sector-related issues. I wish I had been able to attend more such courses during my studies."

Security-Information Agency opens its doors

As part of the course, the participants visited the offices of the Security-Information Agency (BIA) in Belgrade on 6 October, where they met its Director, Sasa Vukadinovic; the Chief of Staff, Jovan Stojic and Advisor on Legal and Analytical Affairs, Miroslav Panic.

"We are happy to open our doors to young journalists and discuss the roles and responsibilities which our Agency has in a democratic society," said Director Vukadinovic. "We believe this will contribute to a secure and stable environment for all citizens of Serbia."

Hannelore Valier, Head of the Mission to Serbia's Democratization Department, welcomed the efforts of BIA officials to strengthen transparency and build trust between media professionals and the security services.

"It is important for young journalists to learn more about how the Agency functions. I am confident that they will report on security related issues more professionally, objectively and responsibly, which is in the public interest," she said.

At the end of the course, the participants were given the task of producing a report on the theme of 'security sector reform and the citizen as individual', with prizes for the best entries. Radio Novi Sad journalist Slobodan Sorak was awarded first prize, a digital voice recorder.

Ongoing security sector reform

"Despite my considerable journalistic experience, this course gave me new knowledge about the functioning of security sector institutions and the ongoing reform. I think it should set a pattern to be followed," he said.

Another of the course participants, recent journalism graduate Dzeneta Resili, was awarded a scholarship for post-graduate security studies and will further specialise in these issues.

"The Mission will continue to invest its efforts in security activities in Serbia, especially in the education of journalists and media professionals, so they can make increasingly important contributions not only to regional security and stability, but also to co-operation in the wider international arena," concluded Hannelore Valier.