Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 12 July (BelTA) – It is important for journalists to honestly describe the events going on around them, BelTA learned from Mikhail Gusman, First Deputy Director General of the Russian news agency TASS, on the sidelines of the 19^th World Congress of Russian Press in Minsk on 12 July.

Mikhail Gusman said: “It is important for journalists to honestly report what is going on around them. Being honest, being devoted to the motherland, and presenting an objective view on things are the key requirements in news reporting.”

Mikhail Gusman mentioned the high level of tensions in the world: “There are many conflicts and challenges of all kinds. There is an abundance of circumstances that create additional tensions. But I am an optimist in this regard and believe that any conflict ends in peace sooner or later.”

Asked whether social networks will replace professional news reporting, Mikhail Gusman remarked it is impossible. “I treat this brand new phenomenon with respect but I am not ready to treat participants of the processes going on in social networks as reporters. Journalism is a profession. You need training for this. It has its own requirements, rules, history, teachers, and continuity,” said Mikhail Gusman. “People, who make posts in social networks, represent another sphere of our life. It is a new and interesting sphere we have yet to fully explore and appreciate its huge prospects. But I wouldn’t call it journalism. Moreover, I would strictly separate social networks and professional journalism.”

Mikhail Gusman remarked that everyone, who posts photos, texts in social networks, everyone, who has a blog, challenges professional reporters. “And it is a good thing. Yet I am in favor of professional news reporting,” summed up Mikhail Gusman.