AUA’s CEJ Hosts Discussion on Media as a Connection to the World

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YEREVAN, Armenia — On April 25, the Center for Excellence in Journalism (CEJ) of the American University of Armenia (AUA), in collaboration with the Armenian General Benevolent Union in Brazil, organized a panel discussion titled “Media as a Connection to the World” with seasoned Armenian and Brazilian journalists as guest speakers.  

The discussion was facilitated by Maria Titizian, AUA lecturer and editor-in-chief of EVN Report, and featured the following Brazilian and Armenian panelists: Fábio Menegatti, journalist at TV Record, Brazil; Ivan Finotti, journalist at Folha de S. Paulo, Brazil; Tatev Hovhannisyan, Armenian investigative journalist; and Taline Oundjian, French-Armenian freelance journalist.

During the event, the guest speakers explored the historical economic protectionism in Brazil that impacted the country’s media landscape and its ability to connect with global audiences, as well as Armenia’s isolation and lack of exposure to the outside world and global media, despite its large and dispersed global Diaspora.

The panelists agreed that while the challenges that Brazilian journalists face when trying to report local issues to the international community or collaborate with foreign media outlets might be less pronounced when juxtaposed with the reality faced by local journalists in Armenia, with its smaller size and difficulty broadcasting internationally, both countries nevertheless clearly struggle with media manipulation and politicization, misinformation, and/or disinformation.  

The panelists also shared examples of successful international collaborations or reporting projects that have helped to integrate Brazil or Armenia into the global media landscape. They explored the ways through which journalists in Brazil and Armenia leverage technology and digital platforms to overcome geographic and linguistic barriers and connect with global audiences. 

Active discussion revolved around the possibilities of collaboration among media organizations in both countries, aimed at amplifying their voices and promoting greater integration with the global community, as well as the existing opportunities for media professionals in Brazil and Armenia to increase their international presence and engagement with global audiences.

Following the panel discussion, Titizian moderated a Q&A session during which audience members asked about topics including the general media landscape in Brazil and the personal challenges the guest speakers have encountered as journalists in their respective countries.

The event wrapped up with the conclusion that despite the huge economic, geographical, and socio-cultural differences that set the two countries apart, media can actually play a pivotal role in connecting both countries and, moreover, integrating them in the global community. 

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.