Azernews.Az

Laman Ismayilova

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An informative seminar on "Azerbaijan's cultural policy and media" has been held at Vaqif Mustafazadə Art School No. 2, Azernews reports.

Co-organized jointly by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and Media Development Agency, the event focused on the establishment of effective communication between cultural institutions and the media, apply modern methods in the information dissemination process, and enhancing strategic communication skills.

During the seminar, Head of the Communication Department and Press Secretary of the Media Development Agency Saida Shafiyeva delivered a presentation on "Organizing Effective Communication of Cultural Institutions in the Media."

She emphasized that the cultural sector is one of the vital areas that integrates our society's consciousness, values, and historical memory, highlighting the indispensable role of media and communication in conveying and promoting these values internationally.

"Previously, cultural institutions primarily disseminated information through traditional means—newspapers, magazines, television programs, and books. Today, the digital era offers entirely new opportunities for state institutions. We can now reach thousands, even millions, of people through social media platforms, virtual technologies, and digital resources for cultural events. These changes indicate that communication, which was once static and one-sided, has now become more dynamic, digital, and interactive," Saida Shafiyeva noted.

She also pointed out that while information used to be presented to a more limited audience, this process can now be carried out on a much broader scale using social media and other digital platforms.

Saida Shafiyeva stressed the importance of collaboration between media and cultural institutions, the role of new technologies in establishing information policy, and international experiences in this area.

Director of Media Support Projects, Strategic Planning, and Information Technology Department of the Media Development Agency Leyla Iskandarova spoke on "Media Literacy: Key Principles, Target Groups, and Prospects," discussing the significance of media literacy for society.

She mentioned that, in the modern era, media literacy is one of the crucial skills for correctly interpreting information and protecting against disinformation. In her speech, Isgenderova referred to international practices in this field and emphasized the necessity of developing strategies for various target groups.

Head of the Media Analysis Department of the Media Development Agency Sabina Seyidova spoke on "Editorial Policy and Journalist Professional Conduct Guidelines," stating that journalistic ethics and editorial policies are essential for forming a professional media environment.

She emphasized that journalists must adhere to principles of objectivity, accuracy, and impartiality when obtaining and disseminating information. Seyidova also highlighted the importance of following ethical guidelines to maintain the influence of professional journalism and its impact on society.

Associate Professor and Deputy Dean for Scientific Work at the Faculty of Journalism of Baku State University Sevinj Aliyeva spoke on "National Press – 150: The Struggle for Women's Rights and Gender Equality in Azerbaijani Journalism," noting the significance of ongoing discussions in this area.

She underlined that debates regarding women's education, participation in public life, and the protection of their rights have been present in national media since the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Sevinj Aliyeva also emphasized that this topic remains relevant today and highlighted the importance of broader coverage of gender equality issues in the media.

At the end of the seminar, participants had their questions answered.

During the Q&A session, discussions were held on opportunities for more effective collaboration between cultural institutions and the media, proper information management on social media, and strategic communication issues.

It is noteworthy that such events play a significant role in developing cooperation between the culture and media sectors and in raising public awareness.